
Class J^ Q ^C) 
Book - L 3 
CopyrightN? 

COPVRIGHT DEPOSE 



^ 



Digitized by the Internet Archive 
in 2011 with funding from 
The Library of Congress 



http://www.archive.org/details/voyageofwenonahtOOIang 



, 





r3 

= 
Z 




•C 






THE VOYAGE 

OF THE 

WENONAH 

A TALE OF THE SEA — FACT AND FICTION 



BY 

AUGUSTINE LANGFORD 




THE C. M. CLARK PUBLISHING COMPANY 

Boston, Massachusetts 
1909 



r^ 



K 



' 



^ V 



Copyright, 1909 

BY 

The C. M. Clark Publishing Co. 

Boston, Massachusetts 

u. s. A. 



All Rights Reserved 



PRESS OP MURRAY AND EMERY COMPANY 
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 



LIBRARY of CONGRESS 
Two conies Received I 






w 



A Tribute to the 

Living — Tom and Alice, 

and in Memory of the 

Dead — Julia and William; 

this book is affectionately inscribed 

by their Brother. 



CONTENTS 

Chapter 

I. Doctor Austin and George Brooks — 
Two of the Voyagers 


Page 
1 


II. 


The American Ship Wenonah 


15 


III. 


The Sea Lawyer .... 


24 


IV. 


The Passage from San Francisco to 
Callao ...... 


29 


V. 


Callao ...... 


73 


VI. 


John Northrup .... 


80 


VII. 


Traits of Sailor Character 


105 


VIII. 


"Rum done it!" .... 


116 



IX. A Trip on the Oroya Railroad and a Bull 

Fight at Lima .... 134 

X. The U. S. Flagship Adirondack — Home- 
ward Bound! .... 149 

XI. On the South Pacific toward Cape Horn 166 

XII. The Boatswain 189 

XIII. Stormy Weather off the Coast of Patagonia 202 

XW. Through the Patagonian Channels . 223 



Chapter Page 

XV. In the Straits of Magellan . . . 283 

XVI. From the Straits of Magellan to Monte- 
video ...... 311 



XVII. Burial At Sea 

XVIII. The Winds and Currents of Ocean . 338 

XIX. Running 349 

XX. Captain Colburn Discourses on Various 

Matters 358 

XXI. Some Natural Phenomena- Arrival at 

Trinidad 372 

XXII. Treachery! 389 

XXIII. Judas gets his Reward . . . 422 

XXIV. The Web of Perfidy Exposed and Rent 436 

XXV. Jacob Hawse 464 

XXVI. Close of the Narrative ... 471 



ILLUSTRATIONS 

The American Ship Wenonah 



Frontispiece ^ 
Page 



Doctor Austin and George Brooks — two of the 
Voyagers ..... 

William Colburn, Captain of the Wenonah 

The U. S. Flagship Adirondack 

Tracks of Hurricanes 

Shifts of Wind in a Hurricane . 

The Wenonah Dismasted 

Jacob Hawse, First Mate of the Wenonah 

John Northrup, Lawyer . 

Chart of the World, Showing Route of the Wenonah 



4 ' 
46 

158/ 
374/ 

380 , 
406 " 
418 



/ 



442 



THE VOYAGE OF THE WENONAH 
CHAPTER I 

Doctor Austin and George Brooks 

"Well, Doctor, are all your arrangements made?" 

" Yes, I think so : my assistant takes the house, servants, 
carriage and horses, and, of course, my practice; our 
trunks are packed, and to-morrow we go to a hotel until 
the ship is ready for sea; I hope this will be in a few days." 

"Then you are entirely decided upon returning within 
two years?" 

"Without fail, I hope. I came to California as a 
stripling — I may say, a weakling; for I was not strong as a 
youth. My means were slender, and my professional 
success doubtful. I married here, and our little girl was 
born in San Francisco. I am now bordering on fifty, with 
a robust physique, a remunerative practice, and a com- 
fortable home. Excepting blood relations, all our ties and 
associations are here; and to sever them would be a rude 
wrench to our feelings. To be sure, all this might have 
turned out equally well if I had remained in the East; but 
conditions here favored me from the first — I improved in 
health and in income — and so, besides the bonds of friend- 
ship, I feel some gratitude toward the soil that helped me 
grow to what I am. 

" During the twenty years or so since 1860, the free field 
for the indulgence of one's bent — the absence of con- 

1 1 



2 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

ventionality — the manly, generous impulse pervading all 
conditions of life in California, have made many a man 
what he is to-day; and what he certainly would not be in 
the older State from which he came. There, restraints are 
numerous, rivalry sharp and calculating, and the easy 
give-and-take of life is scarcely known. Here, intercourse 
is characterized by confidence — in the East, by distrust: 
the one condition breeds the free hand and open heart — 
the other, the clenched fist and wound to the sensibilities. 
No, we are not going; to languish in the close air of our 
youth: both my wife and I were born in New York; we are 
going only for a visit to our relatives and then return to this 
coast, to breathe its vigorous freedom to the end." 

The speaker was Doctor Henry Austin — a man above 
the middle height, well proportioned, and of attractive pres- 
ence. His countenance was open and direct in expression, 
full of decision and that look of thought which grows out of 
the study of every situation — its diagnosis. His hair and 
heavy moustaches were well turned to gray. He had a 
kindly disposition which was ever shown in a pleasant, 
considerate manner toward those he had intercourse with, 
whatever their stations in life. 

The Doctor was driving a pair of spirited horses, and 
seated beside him in the buggy was George Brooks, his 
intimate friend; they were taking a last turn through the 
Golden Gate Park near San Francisco. 

Brooks was a younger man — not quite forty; tall and 
slender — a frame covered with little flesh, but well bound 
by thews and sinews — a nervous organization. He had 
black hair and moustaches, and a pale face that showed 
every changing mood as quickly as the landscape does 
light and shadow from fleeting clouds. He was full of 



Doctor Austin and George Brooks 3 

vivacity, and had a wholesome supply of those qualities 
that are indicated by the olden warning at the household 
entrance — Cave canem! Not that he idly snapped at 
every passer or sought quarrel with him; but that he was 
quick to perceive and ready to resent any attempt at 
imposition. His sense of justice toward himself as well as 
toward others was very keen, and he seldom failed to 
insist on his proper dues. 

In many respects he was the very antithesis of the 
Doctor; so that the intimate friendship between them bore 
out the principle of the attraction of opposites so frequent 
in physical nature: it is the positive pole that seeks the 
negative — not two poles of the same name that cling to 
each other. 

This friendship was the growth of association through 
many years; visits of Brooks to Austin's home, walks and 
drives together, and some business ventures they under- 
took jointly. They had exchanged views on almost every 
topic, and differed on many; but although with heat, yet 
always with that consideration for each other's bias that 
left no sting from contradiction. They had learned each 
other's peculiarities and made easy detours around them 
whenever they threatened to be obstacles in the path of 
intimacy. 

It seemed to be the sudden realization of this good feeling 
that prompted the Doctor to say: 

"George, this will be lonely driving for me when I 
return: you know my wife and child are not always able 
to accompany me; and I suppose that through sheer habit 
I shall call at your office for our afternoon trip — is your 
mind finally made up not to return ?" 

" Yes, it is best that I cut all connection with this coast. 



4 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

I took root here as a rank weed, and although I have grown 
to be a cultivated plant, still the smell of rankness often 
comes up to disturb me — early associations crop up now 
and then — they are snags in my course. 

"I know I shall greatly regret many ties here: your 
companionship, in particular, will not soon be replaced, 
even by relatives; indeed, I shall almost have to be intro- 
duced to my own family, I know them so slightly. Want 
of intercourse has left our inherent angularities as sharp as 
between strangers, and it will take long association to work 
the jarring corners down to our smoothness of friendship. 
Still, I had better go and begin life afresh on the founda- 
tions I have laid here, rather than remain and have forever 
beneath me the dank cellar with its noxious exhalations." 

This was not the first time that Brooks alluded to an 
unsatisfactory vein in his life: it gave the Doctor an 
opportunity to ask him to unbosom himself, so he said: 

"You told me you came here poor — so did hundreds 
of others, and many with a shameful past that made it 
prudent to change their names ; now they have wealth and 
prominence, and live as if these had been their inheritance 
through a long line of ancestry: but what can worry you 
so much as to cut adrift from the prosperous present and 
promising future — surely nothing you need blush for?" 

"No," answered Brooks: "there is nothing disgraceful 
in my career — only, it began at the bottom, and in my 
occupation that fact cramps my efforts and thwarts my 
aspirations. These efforts are now masked in the imper- 
sonal editorial of a newspaper or an unsigned article in a 
magazine; but I want to strive for individuality — I want 
to put my name to my work; and the moment I do that, it 
loosens every venomous tongue. People are impatient 




Doctor Austin and George Brooks — two of the Voyagers 



Doctor Austin and George Brooks 5 

of the dicta of those who have grown up from small be- 
ginnings among them: it was not said of Nazareth alone 
that a prophet is not accepted in his own country — the 
sentiment is universal, and describes a condition that 
dwarfs ambition; it finds its symbol in the parasitic vine 
that coils round the tree, stunts its growth, and eventually 
chokes out its life. I may as well tell you my story : 

" I was born in a seaport town of the New England coast 
where shipping was abundant, so that I grew up from 
childhood familiar with things of the sea. 

" My family was fairly well off. I went through all the 
grades of the public school, and upon leaving high school, 
got the situation of corresponding clerk in a large shipping 
house. The salary was small, and the outlook — years of 
writing routine letters at a desk: I had ambition for other 
things. 

" Like most boys of venturesome spirit, I had read much 
about the sea — its poetry, fiction, and history; but it was 
not these — their airy fancies, thrilling adventures, or real 
wreck or battle (all somewhat hazy in over-wrought 
mystery) — that influenced my going to sea: that was 
brought about chiefly by what I saw. 

"Near our town was a Navy Yard, and the frequent 
presence of ships-of-war aroused all my enthusiasm for 
command and the gratification of ambition by those means 
that are visible on board such ships. I reckoned not at 
all with the harsh features — the privations, rancours, and 
jealousies that often lurk behind the brilliance of uniform 
and suavity of manner: I saw only the halo — not the 
squalid attributes it sometimes covers. 

"Well, I shipped as landsman on board the Yellow- 
stone — a sailing sloop-of-war; thinking (as others have 



6 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

thought) that this was the lower round of the ladder to the 
quarter deck. 

"The Yellowstone was a full rigged ship — a beautiful 
model, with a large spread of canvas. In a strong breeze 
with the wind free, I have seen her make fourteen knots 
under all sail. At such times it was a thrilling sight to 
watch her cut the waves — almost bound from crest to 
crest, trembling like an animated creature. I used to envy 
the officer of the deck as he proudly strode the poop, 
trumpet in hand, eye alert on wind, sail, and sea; and 
thought how I, too, should be elated if master of such a 
superb fabric: even in my lowly station, I felt no small 
pride in having a hand in her manoeuvres. 

" During the long passage to the Asiatic station by way 
of the Cape of Good Hope, we had ample exercise in every- 
thing to make a good seaman of me : making and taking in 
sail in all kinds of weather; reefing and shaking out reefs; 
bracing yards; tacking and wearing; lying- to; scudding; 
and working into port against head winds. My early 
experience for all this was excellent, having managed sail 
boats from a boy. I took to the work with zest, and by 
the time we reached Hong Kong, I had passed through the 
rates of ordinary seaman and seaman, to captain of top — 
full of pride of being able to pass a weather earing in a 
gale. 

"Soon after our arrival, I was transferred to the Flag- 
ship Minnetonka: we cruised from port to port of the 
station for two years, and then returned home by way of 
the Cape of Good Hope. I was at first captain of top and 
afterward boatswain's mate on the Flagship. 

" In these two vessels, the Yellowstone and the Minne- 
tonka, I saw two very different methods of exercising 



Doctor Austin and George Brooks 7 

command : one, that gives rein to the best efforts of sub- 
ordinates; and the other, that cramps them into mere 
routine performance. 

" On a ship-of-war there is great subdivision of labor, and 
the part assigned to each is defined by regulation as well as 
established by custom. To infringe on the domain of any 
one, therefore, is to touch his sensitive nerve — it hurts his 
pride, deadens his interest, thwarts his ambition, makes 
him sullen, and begets a disposition to do only what he is 
told : on the other hand, to give a subordinate all the free- 
dom compatible with the order and regularity that must 
pervade the organization, is to develop his tendency 
toward efficiency and contentment. 

" The commanding officer, of course, must have a sharp 
eye on all, to see that the general plan is carried out; and 
he will have enough to do, if he occupies himself with this 
scrutiny and direction, without descending to take a hand 
in the duties of any officer. As long as the executive is 
carrying on the exercises well, let him use his own judg- 
ment about details — do not stop him in the midst of a sail 
drill, to tell him how to do it: that should have been ar- 
ranged previously in the cabin. Similarly, if the navigator 
is piloting the ship safely, let him continue — it will spur his 
pride and zeal to better work; the captain should keep a 
close watch on the danger spots along the course, and if 
approaching them too closely, direct the navigator to keep 
off. Likewise, if the officer of the deck is attentive to the 
prescribed routine, let him do it as he will, without nagging: 
it is time to apply the prod when he is indolent or neglectful. 

"Now, on the Yellowstone the captain interfered with 
everybody and everything: the executive was only a speak- 
ing trumpet through which he gave orders at all ma- 



8 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

nceuvres ; the navigator a mere automaton to move his arm 
right or left as the captain wanted the helm put to star- 
board or to port; and the officer of the deck was tethered 
so short that only a few commonplace duties were within 
his scope. The consequence was, that everybody feared 
to move, lest he snap some check- rein; and jerky, timid 
action was the result. In addition, details were para- 
mount, and close adherence to them was exacted. More- 
over, the captain was always anxious to make a record — 
eager for the shadow of efficiency, rather than its sub- 
stance — for the seemly mask, rather than the solid flesh and 
blood: to have it on record that the order was complied 
with, or the routine carried out — no matter how per- 
functorily — seemed to be his chief aim: all which en- 
gendered shallowness and insincerity — a covering up of 
weakness and dry rot. The man who is ever seeking to 
have the record to point to — the log-book entry or official 
report (which may misrepresent as easily as the record- 
maker desires) — is permeated by deceit. 

" On the Minnetonka, on the other hand, there was an 
atmosphere of trust : everybody went about his duties with 
a feeling that if he did make a mistake, he would be dealt 
with generously by a commander who appreciated human 
weakness and inadequacy, even though regulations took 
no account of such frailties. Each subordinate felt that he 
was responsible for the condition of his own allotted part, 
however lowly that might be; and the captain closely 
supervised the whole: he meddled with no one, but all 
knew that their actions were duly weighed, and put to their 
credit if good, or to their debit if found wanting. 

" The freedom of the sea and air — the spirit of mutabil- 
ity that characterizes the ocean, pervaded life on the 



Doctor Austin and George Brooks 9 

Minnetonka: it yielded as circumstances demanded — 
was flexible to inevitable changes — and bent itself to derive 
most profit from what it could not control : thus supple and 
accommodating, it was in accord with the conditions it had 
to deal with; not rigid — a slave to rule and routine, as the 
narrow-minded, machine-made man is — forever clashing 
with his surroundings and wasting his energies. 

"The stiffness and precision of the parade ground, the 
alignment of military formations, and the cadence of 
marching men, cannot with success be fitted into the life at 
sea : there, elasticity — a give-and-take policy in all things, 
is most suitable to the ever changing winds and waves. 

" My term of enlistment having expired, I was honorably 
discharged, and bid adieu forever to the Navy ; as I found 
that only one more advancement — to warrant officer — was 
the utmost I could attain. Never to be a commissioned 
officer — this ' Abandon all hope, ye who enter here !' seemed 
to me then more blighting than Dante's dread scroll over 
the gates of hell; but mature thought has changed my 
views. 

" I now clearly see that one who has had instruction in 
the various branches of the profession from competent 
men, in an institution well equipped for imparting knowl- 
edge, is at a great advantage over him who acquires it 
chiefly through practical means and without such aids. 

"The education at the Naval Academy is designed to 
attain a specific object — to produce an officer who will be 
technically qualified to command ships, as well as to repre- 
sent the country creditably abroad ; by comparison with its 
completeness, any other method — that, for instance, of 
growing up on board ship and acquiring its routine by 
mere contact, is necessarily meagre, even though it be 



10 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

supplemented by study. But aside from this, there is 
otherwise a great difference between the training, per se, 
of the officer and that of the seaman who may aim at 
becoming an officer — a training mental, moral, and social 
that is inhaled with the atmosphere of each condition — 
absorbed from associations — and more effective in mould- 
ing character than anything derived from books. Honor, 
truth, sobriety, self-restraint, courtesy, courage, and 
respect for authority and position — these are forever 
dinned into the ears of the midshipman, and impressed 
upon him by example: if they had been inculcated in the 
home, the influence of the Academy fosters their growth; if 
not, that influence tends to remedy early defects. The 
Academy does not turn out paragons of all these virtues — 
it would be strange if despicable natures were not found 
among its graduates; for human nature is more or less 
flinty to good impressions, and the tendency to deceit, 
craft, and meanness of every kind is so strong in some boys, 
that it will resist all effort at improvement; still, the effort 
and the influence to improve, are at the Academy: but 
without any disparagement of the man before the mast 
(for very many individuals are upright and actuated by 
good principles) — will his most friendly advocate assert 
that his surroundings have always high and noble influ- 
ences? No: there is cockle sown by the life of the fore- 
castle that the most careful weeding of the quarter deck 
will with difficulty eradicate. 

" In training the officer, he is always told that some day 
he will command; in training the seaman, he is forever 
taught that he must obey : this creates a difference of feel- 
ing which necessarily continues to some extent through- 
out the career of him who wins place from the fore- 



Doctor Austin and George Brooks 11 

castle among those specially bred for the quarter deck. 

"These thoughts solace me for failure to reach a com- 
mission in the Navy, and make me feel that it is wise to put 
every line officer for it through the same mill: then the 
Navy gets the kernel mostly — the chaff is pretty well 
winnowed out; and while some excellent grain may come 
from other fields, still the grinding has not been as thor- 
ough nor the product as fine. 

"But to return to my story: 

"My service in the Navy made me ready witted and 
self-reliant : I acquired decision of character. The duties 
of petty officer gave me the habit of command, and also 
tact in handling men. At odd intervals I studied sub- 
jects useful in managing ships, such as wind and current 
systems, storms, seamanship, and navigation — I thought 
of entering the merchant marine. 

" On my return home, a large ship called the Everglade 
was about to sail for San Francisco, and through my 
father I got the billet of First Mate. The passage was a 
most disagreeable one: Cape Horn experience is no strong 
pull on the proverbial long bow of a sailor's yarn; it is a 
wearing, disheartening struggle against fierce winds and 
heavy seas — beating a mile to gain a few yards; the wind 
forever violent, and the salty spray pricking one's flesh like 
nettles — tingling to burning, even the skin of an old tar. 
No sleep, except from exhaustion — no food, except at hap- 
hazard. Raw, rainy, dismal weather. The privations 
and hardships of that locality are enough to take the spirit 
out of the most ardent enthusiast of the sea. 

"Our captain — a lank, lean man — was part owner of 
the ship. He was close and stingy — even doling out, him- 
self, spun yarn, tar, paint and other stores for ship's use. 



12 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

" The food was little more than hard tack, tea, and salt 
beef — the last in chunks like mahogany and almost as 
indigestible. 

"The ship was short-handed — a mongrel crew of 
Portuguese, Finns, Malays, Italians, and others who 
claimed birth in the United States, but had no more of the 
American spirit and brightness than Esquimaux. 

" The Captain was forever dinning in our ears that the 
ship was run to make money, and he certainly bent every 
effort to that end. He was slovenly, the ship was dirty, 
and the crew grimy; I could make no headway toward 
introducing some of the cleanliness and system so char- 
acteristic of the Minnetonka : generally, ship and crew take 
the tone of the commanding officer; I disliked this one 
heartily, but did my duty by him, resolved, however, to 
leave on reaching port. 

" The man who contemplates making the sea his calling 
should never begin with the Navy, if he intends to enter 
the merchant service later — the contrast is too great. 

"A ship-of-war is organized on a scale of generous 
supply both of men and material; money does not enter 
as one of the objects striven for: the Navy is the one place 
where sordid gain is not the theme of every discourse. 

"On the Minnetonka, we had a crew of about five 
hundred men. At sail exercise, they filled the tops, and 
still we had long lines of them on deck to double bank 
sheets and halliards and run the topsails up to a lively 
tune. In reefing in a gale, the yards were black with men , 
like birds on a branch, and yet enough were below to man 
the gear. In all our drills — great guns, fire quarters, 
target practice, and fleet tactics in boats under sail and 
oars — men swarmed like ants on a hill; and there was a 



Doctor Austin and George Brooks 13 

rivalry among the different divisions that infused spirit into 
the work — the effervescing gas that gave sparkle to what 
would otherwise be hard toil. 

"Interchange of courtesies between our Admiral and 
those of foreign squadrons varied the regular routine with 
a little spectacular display — salutes with the battery, 
martial airs by the band, piping the side, and parading the 
marine guard. 

" Every evening the band played popular airs and selec- 
tions from operas on the gun deck. Dance, song, and 
minstrel performances by members of the crew afforded 
occasional diversion ; and through the whole ran the proud 
feeling of being the nation's representative on the high seas. 

" To go from all this to the merchant ship, was like mov- 
ing from the excitement, animation, fullness of life, and 
ever changing scenes of a populous city, to the quiet, 
lonely existence of a squalid village. 

" My taste for the merchant service was destroyed : to 
return to the Navy was but to bury my ambition, and on 
the threshold of life — I was only twenty-five — I had no 
idea of doing that. 

" I resolved to try another career. As I have said, I had 
such an education as the public schools of New England 
afford : I had also a taste for writing, and so dressed up a 
few incidents of my sea experience and offered them to a 
periodical in San Francisco. They were taken — more 
followed — and still more, with articles of another kind, 
until eventually I rose to editorial work and magazine 
contributions on various topics. The rest you know — 
it is our intimacy of ten years. 

" I am now approaching forty : the investments we made 
together pay me a competence without further effort on my 



14 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

part; but I am a great believer in the parable of the talent 
being given us to yield more — not lie hidden in a napkin: 
besides, I think I have discovered the lode in my make-up 
that can be worked to most profit — literature; and I deem 
it best to seek an arena where the gladiators are ignorant of 
my early training — it deprives them of an advantage. I 
have ambition to strive for the highest that my ability will 
attain: if the out-put is mediocre, I want that fact deter- 
mined by an impartial judgment of the product itself — 
not condemned by circumstances that affect it in no wise. 
And so my tale is told." 

" Well, I must say it is an experience that has left none 
of its traces on you," said the Doctor. " In all these years 
I have not seen a vestige of the sailor in your manner or 
speech: I should have said you began the literary career 
upon leaving college. Now I see why you were so anxious 
to make the voyage on the Wenonah — a yearning for the 
old life, perhaps?" 

"Yes," replied Brooks, "there is still a streak of the 
ocean rover in me; but we have not seen the ship yet — 
shall we take a look at her to-morrow ?" 

"I am willing; when would it suit you — ten o'clock? " 

" Let us say ten." 

"I shall call for you, and we will drive down to the 
wharf together." 



CHAPTER II 

The American Ship Wenonah 

There, among the ferns and mosses, 

There, among the prairie lilies, 

On the Muskoday, the meadow, 

In the moonlight and the starlight, 

Fair Nokomis bore a daughter, 

And she called her name Wenonah. — Longfellow. 

Wenonah — what an appropriate name for an American 
ship! especially for a ship-of-war; and the appropriateness 
of Indian names in general for ships of our Navy would be 
enhanced, if Congress would prohibit merchantmen from 
taking those borne by men-of-war. Then such names 
become distinctive and acquire dignity by the restriction; 
and fine battleships bearing the sonorous names of Minne- 
sota, Missouri and Delaware, would no longer have ignoble 
relatives among water-logged lumber sloops or grimy coal 
barges ; nor would the renowned Oregon be kin to a squat, 
dumpy tug-boat, puffing black smoke. 

Furthermore, such names as Adirondack, Iroquois, 
Seminole, Powhattan, Winnebago and Chippewa are more 
suitable for vessels of the Navy than Machias, Nashville 
and Birmingham: the former stand for pride and inde- 
pendence of race and condition coupled with warlike 
aggressiveness; while the latter merely denote peaceful 
communities pursuing their daily avocations. 

15 



16 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

On the day following the events related in the first 
chapter, our two voyagers proceeded to the wharf, hired a 
boat, and pulled out to the Wenonah. 

"Doctor," said Brooks, "it may be just as well not to 
let these people know I ever had any connection with the 
sea: if, during the passage, anything arises to require it, I 
will tell them, but not otherwise." 

"All right, George; I am entirely of your opinion. The 
more one keeps his affairs to himself, the better. Of 
course, I mean with regard to strangers; for between 
friends, the confidences of intimacy not only cement the 
ties more closely, but often afford balm to wounded 
feelings. " 

As they approached the ship, Brooks became enthusias- 
tic over her beautiful appearance. He told the boatman 
to pull around her at a little distance, so that they might 
examine her the better — as a connoisseur would a blooded 
horse put through his paces. 

"Now, Doctor, observe how taut every rope is — how 
neatly furled every sail — how square the yards: look at 
the masts — they are stayed perfectly. The hull shines like 
Japanese lacquer: you saw that fine gilding of an eagle 
on the stern — now look at the bronzed figure of the Indian 
maiden on the bow rising from a drapery of the national 
colors. Except the Yellowstone, this is the finest model 
I have ever seen." 

The day was clear and balmy, and the sea smooth — a 
setting that enhanced the beauty of this central figure of the 
picture. 

They pulled to the ladder at the starboard side and 
went aboard. A man of middle age and height, whom 
they took to be the captain, met them at the gangway. He 



The American Ship Wenonah 17 

had sandy hair and beard, features that indicated the power 
to command, and that abrupt firmness of manner which 
comes from its exercise. His eyes were large and gray, 
with a fixed stare that, as a rule, gave no hint of what was 
passing in his mind; but which, when he chose, could be 
pleasing and expressive: he chose but seldom, however; 
for his inner workings were usually barred and double- 
locked. 

He met the visitors with a pleasant greeting and asked if 
they would like to see the ship. Upon being told the ob- 
ject of their visit, he was more affable — even effusive. 

With the. pride of one who has something to show, he 
led them over the vessel from forecastle to cabin — pointing 
out in an easy, off-hand way, but with somewhat of 
arrogance, the really excellent features of the ship. She 
was as clean and attractive on board as she appeared taut 
and trim from the water. Even the few of the crew they 
saw, were neatly clad, and had that deference of manner 
that denotes the disciplinarian in command. On leaving, 
Brooks expressed their admiration of everything, and 
added : " Captain, when do you expect to be ready for 
sea?" 

"Within a day or two I shall be all ready." 

He went with them to the gangway, and they parted 
with good feeling on both sides. 

"Well, George, what do you think of the ship and her 
captain ?" said the Doctor, when they were seated in the 
boat, pulling ashore. 

"Excellent, magnificent! — the youthful blood of the 
topman is again flowing — I could almost ship before the 
mast in that vessel — we shall have a glorious passage. I 
am no judge of character if that man is not a capable 



18 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

officer — everything aboard indicates his control of the 
situation. 

" Why, if I had gone to such a ship when I entered the 
merchant service, I should have continued there: it would 
have been a life of hardship with small recompense, but 
I should not have hesitated at that, with the proud pros- 
pect of some day having such a command. Is it chance 
or destiny that so changes the whole trend of one's 
life ?" 

"Beyond me," replied the Doctor: "now let us go up to 
the agency and ascertain the exact day of sailing." 

On entering the office, the agent, who was a friend of 
both Brooks and the Doctor, met them with the remark: 

" You come to find out about the sailing of the Wenonah ? 
Well, it will be within a few days, as the only thing that 
delayed her, was to find a commanding officer, and now we 
have him — let me introduce Captain Colburn." 

The two friends looked at each other — then at the agent 
— and finally at Colburn ; but instantly realizing that some 
mistake lay beneath, Brooks recovered presence of mind 
to say. 

"We have just been aboard the ship and met a very 
agreeable man there whom we thought was the captain: 
this will explain our surprise. To be sure, he did not say 
he was — neither did he gainsay it, when we addressed him 
as such." 

" O no," said the agent; "that is the First Mate — Jacob 
Hawse. Captain Rowley, who had the ship for some years, 
was stricken with paralysis two days ago, so we had to 
decide upon a successor. Hawse is a capable officer, but 
we never had him in view for the command, nor did we 
ever give him ground to expect it." 



The American Ship Wenonah 19 

Brooks and the Doctor held a few moments' conversa- 
tion with Colburn, and then left the office. 

" Doctor, I must speedily revise my estimate of that man 
we met on the ship — his not telling us what he really was 
on board shows a deceitful trait: but it may be that he 
expected the place." 

" Now what is your diagnosis of the real captain ?" 

" He has not the facile ways of Hawse : he will not laugh 
unless there is joy in his heart, nor will he promise without 
the intent to perform; he is not demonstrative, but one 
would trust that look of earnestness — that sincerity of eye. 
This is the first impression I receive." 

William Colburn left college to go to sea, with the hope 
of building up a weak constitution ; and although he failed 
to acquire either the full strength or size to cope easily 
with the roughness of sea life, yet he got both in fairly good 
measure. He was tall, thin, and wiry — a man who thinks. 
His first voyage was before the mast to Calcutta; then 
the Civil War broke out, and our merchantmen were swept 
from the sea. He entered the Volunteer Navy — obtained 
the rank of Acting Ensign, and was honorably discharged 
at the close of the war: re-entered the merchant service, 
had been second and first mate of various sailing ships, 
and was now about fifty-two years old. On account of an 
accident, he had been unable to go to sea for a year; and 
was wharf -master in San Francisco for the company that 
owned the line of ships to which the Wenonah belonged. 
He had performed these duties with such painstaking and 
executive ability, that it caused his selection by the agent, 
entirely unsought by him or any one for him. 

Colburn was a man that kept much to himself. He had 
none of those qualities that are popular in the company 



20 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

of men: he could not tell a good story, did not drink, or 
chew tobacco, or play cards, or billiards — all (generally) 
considered accomplishments among sea-farers. He was 
intelligent and accurate; but entirely devoid of that wit, 
humor and jollity that beget good fellowship. Not that 
ice- water flowed in his veins; rather naphtha, which at a 
kindness was prone to reciprocate with genial feeling, or 
at an injury was apt to burst into flame — to fire the eye, 
cloud the face, and make the speech quick of utterance. 
On board ship, he held these impulses well under control. 
He had a strong sense of justice and was without vain 
glory. In new conditions, he had to acquire expertness by 
practice rather than through innate quickness. 

Charles Rowley, the previous captain, was old, rotund, 
and as pompous as an English butler — disposed to take 
his ease, and content to let the Mate order everything, 
provided the semblance of command remained to himself; 
and indeed he exercised no more control than the wooden 
image on the bow. 

The Mate liked him because of this free rein, and he 
repaid it with gross adulation and the fiction of deferring 
to him in certain things, as if directed by him; but in 
reality he had wheedled the old man out of all the functions 
of command, and was himself the virtual captain. He 
hoped to be so in name; but when he learned that Colburn 
was appointed, his anger and chagrin knew no bounds. 
He had even boasted that he was to be captain, and now 
that he was not to be — nay, worse, that he might even be 
deprived of his present prestige — this cut deep and he 
swore revenge upon Colburn. 

The Second Mate had no decided character — he 
laughed with every one and at everything — a mere mass of 



The American Ship Wenonah 21 

good nature that all sought as companionable, to have a 
pleasant word with, but nothing more. 

The Third Mate was a creature of Hawse's. His name 
was Robert Snively — not a bad name with the i long; but 
clipped (as by the men) into Bob Snivly, it was suggestive 
of a sneaking, sycophantic eel, that wormed itself into every 
situation in order to report its nature to his protector — a 
ferret to the First Mate. 

The rest of the ship's company were: Sam Ruggles, 
Engineer ; Ned Gower, Boatswain ; a cook ; a steward ; two 
Japanese servants; a carpenter; a sailmaker; one fireman; 
one coalheaver; six boys, apprentices; and twenty-eight 
seamen of different nationalities — forty-eight, all told. 

The Wenonah had a steel hull and was a three masted 
full rigged ship : when loaded to her average draft of seven- 
teen feet, she had a displacement of twenty-four hundred 
tons ; her length was two hundred and fifty feet, and beam 
forty-two feet. Under full spread of canvas (twenty 
thousand square feet), she could make fourteen knots in a 
strong breeze with the wind free. She had auxiliary steam 
power that gave a speed of seven knots in smooth water. 
The propeller was fitted for uncoupling. There was a 
commodious cabin and long top-gallant forecastle; other- 
wise the spar deck was flush. The galley was forward 
of the engine-room hatch. 

The crew were berthed in the forecastle : the petty officers 
had bunks, the others swung in hammocks, and all had 
lockers at the side for their clothing and other traps. 
In cold weather, a heavy canvas curtain could be dropped 
from the break of the top-gallant forecastle, thus convert- 
ing the crew's quarters into a spacious room which could 
be heated by a coal stove, and lighted and aired by large 



22 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

port-holes in the sides. In fine weather, with the curtain 
rolled up, and sun and air streaming into it, this place 
presented a cheerful aspect. 

The entrance to the passenger cabin was through a long, 
wide passage or vestibule: on the starboard side of this 
passage, a door opened into the steward's pantry and store- 
room; on the port side, another door led into the quarters 
for the mates and the engineer. These quarters consisted 
of a dining room, bathroom, and four staterooms: the 
latter were at the ship's side and opened into the dining 
room; the bathroom was in the after part. 

The vestibule led into the main saloon, which was 
separated from the pantry and officers' quarters by a bulk- 
head. The saloon was about thirty feet long and twenty- 
two feet wide, painted white and delicately ornamented in 
gold. 

There were rugs on the floor, a large central table, a 
book case well stocked, a piano, a coal grate, and a number 
of chairs — altogether a cozy, attractive apartment. On 
the bulkheads hung large charts showing the land in out- 
line, the wind and current systems of the ocean, sailing and 
steam routes of vessels, cyclonic movements, and curves of 
the magnetic elements. In the panels between the state- 
room doors were pictures — woodland, pasture, and farm 
views; oxen toiling through the furrow, the toppling load 
of hay returning from the meadow, and the barnyard 
alive with cattle and fowl — all a serene contrast with the 
writhing winds and waves that sometimes surrounded them. 
On each side, the staterooms for the passengers opened into 
the saloon; they were large and well furnished, and 
designed each for one person. A bathroom was next to the 
last room on the port side. 



The American Ship Wenonah 23 

A bulkhead formed the after limit of the saloon: in it 
was a door which opened into a narrow thwartship passage, 
and across this, in the opposite partition, was another door 
opening into the Captain's cabin — a semicircular space 
having on each side his bedroom and bathroom; all com- 
fortably, though plainly, furnished. A stairway in the 
narrow passage led up to the poop : this was also reached by 
ladders from the spar deck at the break forward. 

The voyage of the ship promised unusual variety: she 
was to call at several ports between San Francisco and 
New York — at Callao, Punta Arenas in Patagonia, 
Montevideo, and Trinidad off the north coast of South 
America : she had cargo for all these ports, and it was to be 
replaced by such products as found ready sale in New York. 

The passage from the Pacific to the Atlantic was to be 
through the long, intricate channels of Patagonia and the 
Straits of Magellan; thus exchanging the dismal weather, 
rough sea, and discomforts of Cape Horn for the grand and 
varied scenery along the novel route through inland 
waters. 



CHAPTER in 

The Sea Lawyer 

For naught so vile that on the earth doth live, 
But to the earth some special good doth give; 
Nor aught so good, but strained from that fair use 
Revolts from true birth, stumbling on abuse: 
Virtue itself turns vice, being misapplied; 
And vice sometime 's by action dignified. 

— Shakespeare. 

Few sentiments appeal more strongly to human sym- 
pathy than that manifested by a generous effort in behalf 
of the weaker side — befriending the timid boy against the 
blustering bully: whoever does it, is possessed of moral 
courage; for he risks the yelps of the pack that ever follow 
the prospective victor — that are always with the major- 
ity — on the side that is popular. 

In almost every community there is an aggressive mem- 
ber whose salient trait is to harass or persecute: the rest 
yield him support by their silence or inaction. A single 
bull-dog will cow a whole kennel of spaniels, and the under 
dog gets the bites — the taunts, the jeers, the ridicule, the 
social cut, the imposition of every form; and few, if any, 
will defend him — speak up boldly and call the perpetrator 
of all such tyranny by his proper name — coward! Let 
it come to the actual blow, however, and no doubt some 
looker-on — stung in his manhood — will interpose; but the 

24 



The Sea Lawyer 25 

tongue is a keener weapon than the fist, and its venomous 
thrusts will find few possessed of the moral courage to 
parry them with a charitable word, or wholly repulse them 
with the true version of what was circulating as an in- 
famous calumny. 

Parents and guardians of the young often instil moral 
cowardice into their charge when least they think it. To 
illustrate: in olden phrase, once upon a time there were 
two boys, whom we shall call Jack and Bill, aged about 
ten. They lived near together. Jack was short and 
chunky, strong and full of quarrelsome humors: Bill was 
tall and lean — a nervous, timid, quiet boy. Jack was no 
more the object of solicitude in his home than the house- 
hold cat or dog, and he went and came with equal free- 
dom ; but Bill was watched by an elder sister (his guardian 
and support) with great care, in order to have him grow 
up properly and untainted by the habits of bad boys. He 
was not allowed to mingle in their games, nor take part in 
their frolics and sports. And so it came to pass that this 
life apart brought upon him the ill-will of the other boys. 
Jack, in particular, harassed him: whenever there was a 
game of marbles, or baseball, or any other amusement that 
gathered a crowd of boys, the sight of Bill passing by 
brought out a taunt from Jack — a dare to take a hand 
in the game; and jeering laughter broke from the group. 
These persecutions multiplied and worried Bill so that he 
would go far out of his way to avoid them. His life was 
a torture — he longed to strangle Jack; but — a fight! Oh! 
the enormity of such a breach of his sister's code of pro- 
priety could not be thought of: that it might be in a just 
cause would be no plea in bar of punishment by his sister. 

And so he bore his burden ; but at last it grew too heavy — 



26 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

he could carry it no longer, so he worked his moral courage 
up to the point of casting the load off altogether, or being 
crushed by it. 

The climax came about in this way: one day a circus 
was in town, and all the boys, except Jack and Bill, went 
to peep under the tent. Bill sought Jack and said to him : 

"Now, you've run me long enough, let's have it out" — 
and they went into an adjoining field. Recourse was had 
to the provocative chip, and Bill said, 

" If you knock this off, I'll lick you." 

Jack raised his hand, arrogant in the confidence of 
crushing the reed before him, but he never touched the 
chip. Bill struck him full in the face — Jack fell backward 
— Bill jumped on him, and with one knee on his breast, 
rained blow after blow — on eyes, on nose, on mouth — 
setting each home with the injunction, rather than query: 

"Now, will you ever run me again," and the feeble 
"no" in response was only met by another blow. The 
fury of long pent-up feelings — the jeers and taunts of many 
months gave strength to his muscle, and this fury had to 
be spent ere the blows would cease. 

The bully — bruised, bloody, and blinded — was at last 
let up and allowed to sneak away. 

Bill, trembling from exhaustion, but without a scratch 
(for Jack never hit him) walked and walked the field — 
afraid to go home, lest his excitement should disclose his 
crime, and he receive his chastisement — a whipping for 
having stopped forever a host of small, mean persecutions ! 

It was noticeable, however, that ever after, when he 
passed a group of boys, he went by with head erect — a 
little of the gamecock in his stride; and the boys were very 
careful not to tempt his spurs. 



The Sea Lawyer 27 

It would be superfluous to draw the moral of Jack and 
Bill: vary the circumstances, and every one will recall 
instances to illustrate the general case. Many a really 
courageous spirit is cowed by an actual craven. 

But whether the moral courage be exercised by the 
individual for freeing himself from a petty tyrant, or on 
behalf of another to rid him of a scourge, this noble trait 
has also its degenerate poor relation — just as we find con- 
trasts in almost everything: the toothsome pippin and the 
puckering crab apple belong to the same family. 

The sea lawyer is the noxious element of a ship's com- 
pany — the sand and grit that are forever getting in between 
command and obedience, replacing their smooth running 
by sulkiness, discontent, and anger. He exists in almost 
every ship — sometimes among the officers, sometimes 
among the crew, often among both. Sam Ruggles, 
Engineer, was the sea lawyer of the Wenonah. 

On the table lands of Arizona grows a species of tree — 
the opuntia spinosior — that attains a height of fifteen feet 
and a diameter of eight inches. It springs from an arid 
soil and breathes a parched air. It lives apart from its 
kind : the majestic oak, the fragrant pine, or the beautifui 
maple never comes within its view. Its body grows 
crooked; its bark is scaly, dark, and rugged; and it is 
specked with clusters of short, sharp needles — a kind of 
vegetable porcupine. A cut along or across the fibre dis- 
closes equal deformity of internal structure: the lines of 
growth — its wrinkles of age, are closely grouped, and so 
twisted that scarcely an inch of surface has them regular; 
all the crudeness of the exterior permeates the wood and 
pith: and such was Sam Ruggles — a human Opuntia 
Spinosior. 



28 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

The sea lawyer exercises a kind of moral courage, but 
it is all awry. He affects to stand up for the rights of his 
shipmates, but in reality he only lets loose his own can- 
tankerousness. 

The usefulness of laws for the government of sea- 
farers depends to some extent on the knowledge of such 
laws by sailors and their courage to make a stand for their 
rights : officers may be cruel and oppressive, and then it is 
well that the seaman should know where he stands and 
make an effort against being trodden on; but this is very 
different from the practice of the sea lawyer; he cannot be 
touched at any point — however gently — but like the nettle, 
will sting. 

And he often stings with the venom distilled from 
snatches of unguarded conversation with him, which he 
lays up in his memory — to be drawn forth at opportune 
moments for the discomfiture of their author. 

Interchange of little services are as conducive to smooth- 
ness of intercourse as barter of products was to the support 
of life when money acted so small a part as the medium of 
exchange : and besides affording each recipient more of the 
comforts and pleasures of life than he could get for actual 
coin, these little services cultivate friendliness and promote 
the natural order — companionship and congregation, 
rather than selfishness and segregation. 

The man who merely obeys orders— literally carries out 
the law without exercising that discretion which is essential 
to the execution of its intent, might as well be replaced by 
an automaton. In practical life, it is the actual man that 
must be reckoned with — the moods of ill-humor from bad 
conditions, as well as those of good feeling from favorable 
circumstances: and so with laws and regulations — they 



The Sea Lawyer 29 

must be bent somewhat to suit the real condition; for how 
can an inflexible rule measure warped surfaces ? 

The sea lawyer insists on the literal observance of rules 
and regulations — he has not in him a drop of the oil that 
lubricates the intercourse of life. The very laws devised 
for the proper government of the community of which he 
is a member, he wrenches to evil — for chronic fault 
finding and the avoidance of work: he is the self- 
constituted walking delegate of the sea. Like his proto- 
type ashore, and the shyster lawyer, he is forever quibbling. 
To take an order cheerfully is no trait of his nature — his 
first impulse is to find an excuse or reason for evading it. 

If a man is punished, the sea lawyer knows exactly the 
legal kind and limit, and if these should be exceeded, he 
spreads the word among the crew and sets up a ferment. 
So, if the food is not good, he is the vicious leaven that 
makes it worse — poisons the mind more than that does 
the stomach. A growler, a grumbler, with all the malig- 
nity of old Shylock insisting upon the literal observance of 
his bond. 

Unlike the man on shore who stands up for his rights, 
this weasel of the sea but breeds ill-will; because his 
captiousness is disseminated through a small, close com- 
munity, already too prone to mere dissatisfaction. 

On board ship, a vein of sympathy in common against 
the restraints of authority and discipline pervades the 
crew: the influences and interests that prevail on shore 
toward breaking up any similar unwholesome cohesive- 
ness, do not exist on the ship; and therefore the sea lawyer 
has a clear, fertile field to grow his thorns and burrs — 
he but widens the breach between command and obedience 
by his every spur to discontent. 



CHAPTER IV 

The Passage from San Francisco to Callao 

On the day the Doctor and Brooks went to the agent's 
office, Colburn received his appointment as Captain of 
the Wenonah. 

He sent word to the Mate, requesting him to have a boat 
at the wharf the following morning at nine, when he would 
go aboard and take command. 

Promptly at that hour he was there, and found the boat 
waiting for him — a trim little craft, newly painted, well 
equipped, and manned by four seamen in clean clothes. 
This considerateness on the part of the Mate made a 
favorable impression on Colburn; and it was enhanced 
by the cordiality of his reception at the gangway: even a 
little ceremony was thrown into this reception by the 
presence of the second and third mates, the engineer 
and the boatswain — the latter a fine, stalwart specimen 
of manhood. 

After mutual greetings, the Captain went to the cabin 
and exchanged his suit of plain clothes for a uniform of 
navy blue serge: the coat was a sack, square-cut at the 
bottom, double breasted, and buttoned up; it had a small 
silver star on each side of the collar, and three narrow 
bands of gold lace on each sleeve near the cuff and above 
these bands a gold star; the trousers were entirely plain; 
the cap, of the yachting pattern, had a large sloping vizor, 
and above this was a spread eagle holding arrows in his 

30 



From San Francisco to Callao 31 

talons, all embroidered in gold and silver thread. Though 
plain, the uniform was very becoming and suitable for the 
service it was designed for. 

Clothes do not make the man, but they do make him 
either presentable, distinctive, and impressive ; or awkward 
and without force. The skillful manipulations of his 
baton by the drum-major would excite scarcely less mirth 
than the antics of the clown, were it not for his gorgeous 
trappings: the bear-skin hat alone adds a cubit to his 
pomposity and lifts him out of the capers of harlequin. 
The order from the Colonel acquires weight and authority 
coming from epauletted shoulders, rather than from a cut- 
away suit and derby hat. Even in this Republican 
country, we deem it conducive to the dignity of our highest 
courts to clothe the judges in silken robes. And what a 
shock it would be to our feelings to see a clergyman 
officiate in garments other than the vestments consecrated 
to the ministrations of his office! This varied suitability 
of setting goes far with all men, but most with those given 
to using their senses rather than their minds: tinsel and 
ornament appeal more to the Pawnee of the Plains than 
to the Puritan of early Plymouth. And it was the thought 
of this aid to discipline and authority — impressing the 
seaman, as well as making him seemly in appearance — 
that decided Captain Colburn to put the ship's company 
into uniform. He laid the project before the agent, who 
heartily approved it. 

Although the ship had been ready to sail, still a day 
or two previous some well paying cargo offered, and the 
agent decided to delay her to take it : this afforded Colburn 
the opportunity to get a supply of uniform for the men. 

With the exception of a few — the nucleus of the old crew 



32 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

— the men were a hard looking lot, rigged out in every kind 
of nondescript clothes: they had just been received on 
board in anticipation of the immediate sailing of the ship, 
as originally intended. 

The Captain called the Mates and Engineer into the 
cabin and told them of the uniform order — saying, that 
for the Mates it would be the same as his own, except the 
stars on the collar and the number of gold stripes on the 
sleeves : the stars would be omitted entirely, and the stripes 
would be two for the First Mate and one for each of the 
others; the Engineer would have two narrow stripes of 
crimson cloth on the sleeves near the cuff, and no stars; 
otherwise his uniform was to be the same. 

The First Mate gave no indication of pleasure or dis- 
pleasure at the order; he merely said, "I shall order my 
uniform to-day." The other two Mates took their cue 
and said the same. In reality, the First Mate was so vain 
and fond of display, that this new plumage only afforded 
him another opportunity to strut. 

The Engineer, however, with the air and tone of tres- 
passed rights, said: "When I joined this ship, there was 
no rule about uniform; and I guess I don't want to put 
myself in any man's livery." 

" This is not livery, any more than the uniform of a naval 
officer is; it is merely a distinctive dress — not a badge of 
servitude," replied the Captain. 

" Well, I don't want to be told what to wear — I want to 
dress as I please." 

" That you can do elsewhere, but not on this ship ; and 
I must know your decision by evening." 

The Engineer went out, muttering under his breath: 
"I guess I won't be kicked out by a newcomer like you." 



From San Francisco to Callao 33 

The second and third mates went with him; the First 
Mate remained and said: 

"That fellow will give you trouble — he's very hard to 
manage." 

"I think he'll come round," said the Captain. "Now, 
Mr. Hawse, call all hands to muster on the quarter deck — 
I want to tell the men about the uniform they will have to 
wear." 

"Excuse me, Captain, if I suggest that you wait until 
we get to sea: the men have just come aboard and are full 
of shore liberty and rum ; the change you propose is new to 
the merchant service — they will kick against it, and some 
of them will leave; but if you wait till we get to sea, then 
you have them trapped and can put the screws on as you 
please." 

"No," said the Captain; "I prefer to act frankly with 
them; if any go, we can get others: I shall not begin with 
a deception — it would be a just cause of grievance for 
jack." 

The Mate went out and had the Boatswain pipe all 
hands to muster. When they were aft on the port side of 
the quarter deck, it was a variegated aspect they presented 
— much like a rabble corralled from a street row: some in 
red shirts, others in blue, and more in striped; there were 
hats once of the general derby type, but now so battered 
that they had only a family resemblance of bulge and 
break; some of the men had short, scant jackets; some 
long, loose coats; and many no outer covering at all; the 
trousers of some were tucked into the tops of heavy cow- 
hide boots, and there were those who had only one leg in 
and the other out — altogether a motley crew fit for a 
pirate's deck. 



34 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

The Captain came out and stood on the starboard side 
with the other officers: a look of contempt at his neat 
appearance overspread the faces of the crew — they thought, 
"It will be easy working this dude; he's got no sand." 

"My men," said the Captain, "on leaving this port, 
you will have to put on uniform; it is to be like that worn 
by seamen of our Navy; a supply will be brought on board 
to-morrow, and it will be sold to you for what it cost. 
You will have to get only what is needed for daily wear, 
and afford a change; and you must scrub your clothes 
every day. In night watches, or very bad weather, you 
can put on such other clothes as you have until they are 
worn out. In going on liberty in other ports, you can 
wear either plain clothes or uniform, as you please. If any 
of you are not satisfied with this, let me know it by evening, 
and you will get your discharge. I am going to act fairly 
with you. Mr. Hawse, pipe down." 

The men went forward with a buzz of varied comment. 

A little later, the First Mate went on the forecastle, 
and in the snatches of conversation he heard among the 
men, he found much discontent and suspicion of the new 
order. At last, one of them said, " Well, Mate, what does 
this new rig mean — is it a traverse to get our money?" 

"How can that be — didn't the Captain say he would 
charge you only what the clothes cost ?" And the grimace 
that puckered his face might well be translated into Mark 
Antony's sneer, "And the Captain is an honorable man." 

However, the upshot was, that only three malcontents 
left the ship, and the Engineer thought best to don the 
uniform and keep his place. 

The Captain, accompanied by the Mate, now inspected 
the ship; and was much gratified by the order and cleanli- 



From San Francisco to Callao 35 

ness generally prevalent : only in two or three instances did 
he find a subterfuge — stowholes for refuse and dirt cov- 
ered by a canvas screen. Finally, they came to a small 
room which the Mate said in an off-hand way — " a store- 
room," and was passing on; but the Captain wanted it 
opened, and when this was done, it revealed a grocery 
store in miniature: canned fruits and vegetables, con- 
densed milk, pipes and tobacco, thread, needles, soap, 
brushes, and a variety of other simple articles. 

"Whose are these?" said Colburn. 

"Captain Rowley let me keep them for the men, sir." 

"Do they own them as a joint-stock company?" 

"No sir; each buys from this supply what he wants." 

"But who provides the supply?" 

"I do, sir"; and the Mate became very complaisant 
in tone and manner. 

" How are the prices fixed ?" 

"I do that, sir — a mere trifle over what they cost." 

"Well, if they want to buy little comforts, it is a con- 
venience to have them within reach; and I am willing you 
should continue your store as long as it gives rise to no 
trouble, and the articles are sold at a reasonable rate. 
As early as possible, let me have a schedule of the cost 
and selling price of each article." 

"Thank you, sir — I'll do so"; and a load was lifted 
from the Mate's heart. He was greedy for gold, and it 
would gladden the heart of any money changer to realize 
the rate of usance he called a small advance on the cost. 

" Mr. Hawse, I see there are three mates — how are the 
watches distributed ?" 

"In port, sir, the second and third mates take day's 
duty, turn about; and I have general supervision all the 



36 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

time: at sea, I always take the morning watch (from four 
to eight) and the second dog watch (six to eight) besides 
keeping a look-out on everything about the ship during 
the day; the second and third mates take all the other 
watches both day and night, relieving each other. This 
gives each of them six hours' duty one day and twelve 
the next. Captain Rowley let me arrange it so." 

"For the present, I will not interfere with this," said 
the Captain. 

In reality, Rowley had nothing to do with it: Hawse 
devised the whole plan — lightening his own burden by 
appointing a third mate, while he himself had the whole 
day to be about deck and have every one see that he was 
the source of power. 

A week passed, during which Captain Colburn was 
occupied in swinging ship and compensating the com- 
passes, stationing the crew for various evolutions, carry- 
ing out the uniform project, and becoming acquainted 
with the peculiarities of officers and men. Then all was 
ready, and the passengers came on board: they consisted 
of George Brooks, Doctor Austin, his wife and daughter 
Adeline (aged six), and a French governess, Mademoiselle 
Marguerite. 

The day of sailing was fine and clear, with a good 
breeze blowing out the Golden Gate. All morning, Sam 
Ruggles had been fidgeting about in a self important way 
— conscious that soon he would have a part to play. He 
expected that the Captain would send for him to tell him 
to get up steam, but Colburn made no sign to indicate that 
he thought of either engine or Engineer. At last, when 
the pilot came on board, Ruggles could stand it no longer; 
so with an injured air he strode up to the Captain and said: 



From San Francisco to Callao 37 

" I suppose, sir, you know I'll want about four hours to 
get up steam." 

"We shall not need steam," replied the Captain; "the 
wind is fair, and we'll save coal, as I shall get underway 
under sail." 

Hurt in his vanity, Ruggles turned away muttering under 
his breath: 

"I shan't weep if you foul something or if you run 
aground." 

He felt bitter at the thought of the Captain being inde- 
pendent of him — using sail when conditions favored. 

The Boatswain called: "All hands up anchor!" This 
was tripped — sail made to royals — and the Wenonah 
glided slowly out to sea. 

In stationing the ship's company for getting underway, 
Colburn assigned the First Mate to duty on the forecastle 
and the other Mates to the main and mizzen masts respec- 
tively; he himself to take charge and give orders from the 
poop. Hawse told him, however, that Captain Rowley 
let him get the ship underway and bring her to anchor — 
in fact, carry on all the manoeuvres. His tone and manner 
were so beseeching to let this continue, that Colburn, in 
order to soften the fall, said: 

"This time, Mr. Hawse, you can do it; but hereafter, 
your station will be on the forecastle." The Captain had 
no idea of letting any other than himself exercise the 
functions of command. 

After the ship got on her course, Hawse sought Ruggles 
and they proceeded to discuss the situation: each had a 
festering wound — they made common cause and swore 
mutual fealty; and it is needless to say that their compact 
boded no good to the Captain. 



38 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

Whoever in a position of authority has to deal chiefly 
with people of the lower classes, will find that it has a 
reflex influence on himself — tending to make him curt, 
rough, and inconsiderate: this is particularly noticeable in 
all public institutions, such as the Savings Banks of a large 
city, where the depositors are often treated like dumb 
animals — to be led or driven. The supercilious clerk or 
cashier, on his perch, is conscious of greater intelligence 
and of knowing the routine of the place; the depositor is 
generally of humble station — new to what is required, 
and timid as to his action: the result is, that the one 
haughtily directs — even harshly orders, and the other 
meekly obeys. 

Something akin to this exists on board ship. The 
Captain gives orders that admit of no gainsaying (as 
should be the case); and the constant exercise of this 
authority coupled with the unquestioning acquiescence 
of the small community subject to it, tends to make the 
Captain arrogant and arbitrary, and those about him 
subservient. 

During his long service as a subordinate (this was 
Colburn's first command), he had thought much of this 
and other phases of sea life; and had resolved that if ever 
he got a ship, he would try not to yield to the hardening 
influences of the position: he therefore was unusually 
disposed to look on both sides of every matter and to have 
his action tempered with consideration for the rights of 
all. If it were just to concede a measure, he would do 
it because of its justice — frankly and fully — and when it 
would be appreciated by the recipient, rather than wait 
until it lost by delay and had either the appearance or the 
reality of being forced from him, 



From San Francisco to Callao 39 

During the Civil War, he had served in many ships 
and had seen all kinds of change among their officers, 
bringing into prominence the personality of each in carry- 
ing on duty. He had seen the blusterer, both as captain 
and as executive officer, come on board — upset the estab- 
lished order with the rudeness of a whirlwind, and as 
quickly subside into indolence, leaving disorganization, 
slovenliness, and discontent in its wake. No thought, 
no combination, no system entered this procedure; the 
crew lost interest, and every one — man and officer alike — 
had a little of his own way, which speedily brought about 
a chaotic state of affairs : things drifted, there was no guid- 
ing hand, and the ship only needed a crisis to disclose her 
laxity of organization. 

To this worthless officer would succeed a competent, 
painstaking, thoughtful man who studied the situation, 
and step by step, introduced a regular routine, proper 
bearing among the officers, and ready, respectful obedience 
from the crew: there was a man at the helm who had a 
firm hold upon it and was directing the course of all toward 
efficiency. 

But he angered them — every prod to ease and self 
indulgence brought out a growl; they had become so 
accustomed to looking upon an order as a thing to be 
questioned, or evaded, or obeyed (if at all) at their own 
leisure and in their own way, that when prompt and silent 
compliance was required, it excited animosity. 

Nobody likes to receive an order; and only by reason of 
its frequency does it grate less harshly on ears that are 
legally subject to it, than on those that may ignore it. 
The superiority implied in an order wounds our pride, 
and if it interferes with some habit into which we have 



40 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

grown, or enjoins better work, or decrees new duties, then 
it irritates, and inspires us with resentment toward its 
source. If that source be the Captain of a ship the mal- 
contents have opportunities innumerable for creating a 
strong current counter to him: the Executive Officer of a 
ship-of-war, or the First Mate of a merchantman, holds 
a strong position for good or evil under such circumstances. 
If he stems the current — as he should — it acquires but 
little force ; but if he goes with it : worse, if he adds his own 
discontent — if directly, or by innuendo, he represents every 
wrong, injustice and harsh order as coming from the Cap- 
tain, and he himself the breakwater upon which its vio- 
lence is spent (softening all things to the crew) — then, 
indeed, the captain of that ship has a swollen tide of ill- 
will to contend with. 

Whenever there is a new accession to any body of men, 
he is regarded by the old members with a feeling somewhat 
of patronizing superiority: they resent his taking a prom- 
inent part until he has become seasoned in the ways of 
the association. In the Senate of the United States, the 
new member — however talented and renowned — has to 
abide his time in minor places ere he is thought of for 
Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs; and if 
we descend to the employees of a hotel, the aspirant for 
a waiter's place must serve his apprenticeship in carrying 
dishes: gradual rise is the rule in every organization; and 
its infraction — the leap to the top — excites jealousy and 
anger. Even on a ship, the occasion of a new captain 
assuming command evokes a feeling streaked with this 
hostility: he is a stranger among those who have become 
intimate by long association; a bond unites them against 
him who comes to control them, and although he does so 



From San Francisco to Callao 41 

entirely by right and according to custom, still their claws 
are out and their backbones stiffened. From long expe- 
rience, none appreciated this feature better than Colburn; 
and now he was in a situation that threatened to bring it 
out in full vigor. Here was a man — the First Mate — 
who had practically been captain of the ship and who 
expected to be so in name: he was arrogant, cunning, 
and ambitious — a strong nature. Suddenly, all his 
aspirations are destroyed; and not only this, but he must 
be shorn of the independent authority he had so long 
exercised. 

To be sure, it was a small domain for a violent uprising; 
but the tortures of hell can be as painful in the contracted 
limits of Kilauea as in the extensive regions of Dante's 
Inferno. 

Colburn resolved to deal gently with the First Mate, 
both from a kindly impulse and from a knowledge of the 
harm he might do in thwarting his own efforts: he was 
fully alive to the fact that one who skates on thin ice must 
pick his way around holes and cracks ; and in this frame of 
mind, he sent for the First Mate the dav after leaving; San 
Francisco, and spoke as follows: 

" Mr. Hawse, as we are strangers to each other, I want 
to tell you my views about the ship's routine; and I hope 
this understanding will help to have it go on smoothly. 

"Every morning, at nine o'clock, the crew will be 
inspected on deck, the port watch by the second mate, 
and the starboard watch by the third mate: the men must 
be in uniform, clean and neat. The mates will report 
their condition to you, and you to me. You yourself are 
to inspect the cleanliness and equipment of all parts of 
the ship and boats every morning, and report their condi- 



42 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

tion to me. I shall make this inspection with you every 
Sunday morning. 

" I want you to look at the food for the crew every day 
at noon and see that it is satisfactory, and I shall do so 
myself from time to time. Saturday afternoon and all 
Sunday will be given to the men; and at sea the watch 
below is to be called on deck only in very urgent cases. 
The mates are not to go aloft — I want them to feel their 
distinction as officers. Once a week we shall have Fire 
Quarters; and also an exercise at Man overboard, when 
the crew will be stationed for lowering the life-boat and 
working ship. 

"As we got underway at San Francisco, I saw that 
many of the men were not handy and quick: until they 
get to know the ship and work well together, we shall have 
a sail exercise every few days, for half an hour, after the 
morning inspection : all hands must be on deck, and I will 
take charge and conduct the exercise; you and the other 
mates will take the stations already assigned. We shall 
not set certain days for particular exercises, but suit them 
to the weather and other circumstances. 

" This is all I have to say now; it may be that as occasion 
arises, I shall speak further on ship matters, so that the 
good understanding between us may continue." 

"Thank you, sir," replied the Mate; "I shall be loyal 
and do all I can to make your command a success." 

The Mate saw that for the present, at least, his power 
was put out of sight; but he hoped it was only in abeyance, 
not cut off. 

Besides the blow to the Mate's usurped authority, 
Colburn incurred more of Hawse's ill-will by omitting to 
have set days for specific work. The Mate ran in ruts: 



From San Francisco to Callao 43 

if the ship were plunging and the sea rolling in billows 
around her and the wind a close-reefed gale — all, so that 
no boat could be lowered and live, and the routine called 
for exercise at " Man overboard," he would have it — that 
is, he would have the semblance. It would never occur 
to him to use such conditions for testing the handiness of 
the watch in reefing topsails. On the other hand, in almost 
calm, smooth weather, when, with little delay, a life-boat 
could be dropped and quickly hoisted again (to ensure 
the proper working of everything), the Mate would fail 
to profit by these conditions; but would have an exercise 
at reefing and hoisting, if so his routine specified. Always 
habit or custom — never a thought of taking advantage of 
circumstances to do with ease and thoroughness those 
things that under other conditions could be done only with 
difficulty and without profit. 

When the Captain had done speaking, the Mate left 
the quarter deck and sauntered forward, glancing at var- 
ious things as he went along; finally, he reached the top- 
gallant forecastle and found Sam Ruggles who accosted 
him with: "Well, Jake, what's up now? I saw the old 
man laying down the law to you." 

"Yes, he's been telling me how to be nurse, cook and 
chamber maid — to look out for you all and see that you're 
washed, dressed, and combed; and stood up in a line to 
have him inspect you. I'm to taste your spoon victuals 
every day and see the broth's hot enough, and seasoned 
just right. Fine business for the Mate of a clipper!" 

"And damned degrading treatment for American 
sailors," added Ruggles: "doesn't he think they've got 
gumption enough to wash, and put on a clean shirt without 
his telling; them so ?" 



44 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

A group of men was near enough to hear these remarks — 
more gathered, and Hawse said with a sneer, and in still 
louder voice: "And the Mates must be gentlemen — 
they're not to go aloft, but keep apart from Jack — officers 
only!" Then turning round and feigning surprise at 
finding the men there, he said: "Get out, go to work, 
what are you doing here — listening ? That's naughty for 
good little boys that you must be now." And his look and 
tone gave a sarcastic meaning to his words, whereat the 
men, instead of going away, drew closer and questioned 
him about the new order of things ; and the Mate (who was 
an easy talker) was at no loss to throw ridicule into every 
turn of speech in recounting what the Captain had said: 
the matter was there almost word for word, but the man- 
ner was the direct opposite of what would command 
respect for the subject. 

Of the passengers of the Wenonah, a sketch has already 
been given of Brooks and Doctor Austin: a few words 
will now be said of the others. Mrs. Austin was a woman 
well suited to make a home happy and bring up children 
properly; they would be sound in body, cultivated in mind, 
refined in feelings, of true moral fibre, and of kindly dis- 
position — self respecting and respecting the rights and 
sensibilities of others; and these qualities would be but 
the reflex of her own nature. She was under the medium 
height and below the average weight. Of late years she 
had suffered much from physical ailments, but her tempera- 
ment was cheerful: the term "ladylike" would fittingly 
apply to all she did. 

Her daughter Adeline was six years old — tall for her 
age, lithe, and well formed; a blonde with blue eyes 
and pleasing features that habitually wore an earnest 



From San Francisco to Callao 45 

expression, very remarkable for one so young. Her 
faculties were unusually developed — alert, quick, and pre- 
cise: altogether, a most attractive child, full of winning 
ways. Her love for her mother was unbounded, and its 
constant exhibition a joy to see. 

The governess, Marguerite, was a small, pretty, plump 
brunette — in appearance much more the elder sister of 
her little charge than the wise guide and companion to 
teach her French, and pleasing manners. 

It was chiefly for the health and diversion of his family 
that Doctor Austin undertook this voyage: the newness 
of the life; the buoyancy of spirit infused by a periodic 
storm; the element of danger ever present; the activity 
during manoeuvres of the ship; the novelty of the men's 
ways and habits — all these, he thought, could only be 
beneficial to mind and body. 

As to the time of the voyage of the Wenonah, since the 
incidents are imaginary, they may be applicable to any 
time — events wholly within the experience of any vessel; 
and indeed the incidents are used chiefly as pegs on which 
to hang descriptions of the working of the head and heart 
amidst the particular conditions that prevail at sea. 

The period covered may be considered to be any time 
from the close of the Civil War to the present day: the 
attempt is made to portray phases of sea life that are general ; 
and the ship is supposed to leave San Francisco in winter 
and reach New York during the following summer. 

During the week in San Francisco after taking command, 
Colburn studied the wind and current systems between 
California and Peru, so that he could trace on the chart a 
curve along which the most speedy passage would probably 
be made. 



46 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

He found that on the California coast, strong, steady 
northwesterly winds prevail; that they extend in a wide 
belt out to sea; and that over this same area the ocean 
currents constantly set toward the Bay of Panama. In 
this latter region, there is a large triangle of chaotic 
atmospheric conditions — light winds from every quarter 
in quick succession, with calms and occasional heavy 
squalls of wind and rain. In a general way, one side of 
this triangle is formed by the coast of Central America, 
the second side by the lower limit of the Northeast Trades 
and the third side by the upper limit of the Southeast 
Trades. 

To avoid this ocean quagmire should be the endeavor 
of every seaman; and accordingly Colburn drew his curve 
to pass through the favorable California coast winds and 
currents at an average distance of two hundred miles 
from shore; then, on reaching the latitude of Cape San 
Lucas, the curve struck across the western corner of the 
great triangle of calms and variables to cross the line in 
about longitude one hundred and fifteen degrees west; 
and thence it swept in a semicircle through the Southeast 
Trades toward Callao: but in this part of the curve, he 
would take advantage of every favorable shift of wind to 
edge in toward his port. 

On passing out of the Golden Gate, he shaped a course 
for his curve : if driven off it, he would follow a parallel one; 
if baffled by adverse winds, it would only be what some- 
times happens to the most prudent man in any walk of 
life — failure, after taking every means to attain success. 

On taking the departure, the patent log was recorded 
and put over. 

The Captain then called the three Mates into his cabin, 




William Colburn, Captain of the Wenonah 



From San Francisco to Callao 47 

showed them the route he intended taking, and gave them 
directions about the navigation of the ship: they were to 
carry as much sail as the safety of the spars would allow, 
reducing or setting it at discretion, but promptly reporting 
all such changes to him; at the end of every watch the 
patent log was to be read, and the log-chip hove; the 
average direction and force of the wind for the watch was 
to be estimated; the barometer and wet and dry bulbs 
were to be observed; and all these, with the sail carried 
and course made good, together with remarks on the 
weather and affairs on board were to be carefully recorded 
in the log-book. 

The Captain himself would take all observations for 
determining the ship's position; he would also work out 
the dead reckoning and enter these items in the log. 
He offered to give the Mates any information he possessed 
relative to navigation, and in order to keep up their 
familiarity with it, he recommended that the one who had 
the six hours' watch day, should periodically take ob- 
servations of different kinds and work them out. Thus 
he placed it within their reach to know what they wished 
about the management of the ship — his aim was to have 
them exercise their faculties and not merely carry out 
orders. 

The ship had now been at sea two weeks, and things 
were getting shaken down. 

Among the crew there were men who had served in the 
Navy: the sailor is a nomad of the sea in more senses 
than merely traversing it; he drifts from merchant ship to 
man-of-war, from one navy to another; and the flag above 
him often means only so much food, clothing, and money; 
he changes his name at will, and thus has a chameleon- 



48 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

like facility of personality and nationality. Those men 
who had been in the Navy were expert with the needle, 
and soon put their own uniforms in shape and helped 
others to do the same. Accordingly, the Captain an- 
nounced that on the coming Sunday he would inspect the 
ship and crew, and that the latter should be in uniform. 

Sunday came: at nine o'clock the Boatswain piped 
"All hands to muster"; and they were drawn up on the 
quarter deck, each watch toeing a seam on its own side, 
and a Mate in charge at the head of the line. 

The morning was beautiful and warm, and the ship 
was under all sail — gliding smoothly through the water at 
an eight knot pace. The decks were white, the brass work 
shining, and every rope neatly coiled down dear for 
running: cleanliness and order were evident everywhere. 

And the crew — what a contrast their stand-up in two 
blue lines, clean shaven and close cropped, to their slovenly 
lolling in harlequin garb two weeks previously on the 
same deck ! The men themselves felt the change — it gave 
them a sense of self-respect, and they were highly pleased. 
The officers, too, were in uniform and looked exceedingly 
well. Altogether, it was an organization in which each 
felt pride. 

The Captain invited the passengers to take a look at 
the ship with him, while the crew remained on the quarter 
deck: they gladly accepted, and as they saw each new 
evidence of care and firm control, their admiration found 
vent in hearty expressions ; Brooks in particular was elated 
— he whispered to the Doctor, " Why this takes me back 
to a Sunday on the Flagship Minnetonka ; all we lack here 
are numbers, more brilliance of uniform, and the band 
playing." He had a lingering regret that he did not 



From San Francisco to Callao 49 

remain in the merchant service to have such a command 
as this. 

The various routine exercises had been going on since 
leaving port, so that the men were now fairly quick at them. 

The day following this first inspection being still fine, 
with a smooth sea, the passengers assembled on the poop 
to enjoy the beautiful weather. The ship was making 
seven knots with the wind on the port quarter. The 
Captain came on the poop, held a few moments' conversa- 
tion with the passengers, and then going to the taffrail, 
called a seaman and spoke to him as if pointing out some- 
thing to be done at the ship's side. The man started to 
go down on deck, but at the break of the poop, stopped, 
and shouted in a loud voice, 

"Man overboard!" 
and a heavy splash was heard at the same time in the 
water. The Mate on watch instantly ordered, 

"Hard down! Man the starboard life-boat!" 

The men rushed aft — four with a coxswain jumped 
into the boat — the ship came quickly to the wind — but 
before she got aback, the boat was dropped and pulling 
for the buoy that had been thrown overboard. 

The anxious, pale faces of the passengers were still 
peering for the unfortunate in the water, when the Captain 
said, " 'Tis only an exercise." But the reality could not 
have been more startling — for a moment it had all the 
anxiety of an actual case. Little Adeline cried at the 
commotion, and her mother and Marguerite — both 
scarcely less excited than the child — could only with 
difficulty soothe her nervous sobbing. The Captain 
promised to tell them the next time and spare their feelings. 

Brooks told the Doctor that the manoeuvre was perfect — 



50 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

the self-possession of the Mate of the watch and the readi- 
ness of the crew could not be surpassed. 

The boat returned and was hoisted, and the ship filled 
away on her course, the yards having been braced hove-to 
with the main top-sail to the mast while the boat was 
absent. 

Man overboard! It is a cry that awakens terror and 
sympathy on a ship's deck as the loss of life does in no 
other community. It impels men to risk their lives as 
nowhere else. Let it be uttered in the darkness of night, 
midst a raging storm, with certain death to the rescuer — 
it matters not; there will be those to hazard an attempt — 
they think but of the drowning shipmate and every im- 
pulse is to save him. 

A few days later, in order that they should not be 
alarmed, the Captain informed the passengers that he 
was going to have fire drill; but requested them not to let 
the officers and crew know it. 

The ship was close-hauled on the port tack, with a stiff 
breeze and lumpy sea. Doctor Austin and his family with 
Brooks were on the poop ; the watch on deck were at various 
kinds of work — it was just after the morning inspection, 
and the watch below were settling for a sleep, or a game 
of dominoes or checkers, or some other amusement. 

The Captain came up, looked at the compass, then at 
the sails, and began asking the Mate on watch some ques- 
tions about the speed and run. The steward came out of 
the pantry and went toward the galley with some provisions 
for the cook: suddenly, he stopped, set his load near a 
hatch, jumped to the ship's bell and rang it violently, 
shouting at the same time, 

"Fire in the forecastle!" 



From San Francisco to Callao 51 

Instantly, all was activity: the Mate ordered the helm up, 
and the ship paid off before the wind — men reeled off hose 
and coupled it — others shipped brakes and manned the 
pumps — still more covered hatches — the carpenter stood 
by with his axe to cut away obstructions — gangs were 
hauling up the courses — and in an incredibly short time 
three streams were playing over the rail forward, the fire 
being imaginary. 

Then, in order to lose no time, the ship was brought 
to the wind again, and the yards trimmed; but otherwise 
the sequel of a fire proving too strong for control and 
destroying the ship, was carried out by a simulated 
abandonment. 

The Boatswain piped, "All hands abandon ship!" 
Men got the four boats ready for lowering — clearing their 
falls, and examining sails, masts, and oars; others went for 
provisions and water for each boat; more provided com- 
passes and nautical instruments; still more, boxes con- 
taining hammers, saws, axes, spun yarn, oil, lanterns, 
candles, rockets, and matches; and finally, the passengers, 
crew and officers assembled abreast each boat according 
to an assignment previously made. All was done in an 
orderly, quick, and thorough manner, which inspired the 
passengers with a feeling of security against loss of life in 
case of actual disaster. 

Then the Boatswain piped, " Belay!" and everything was 
returned to its proper place. The watch on deck resumed 
their work, the watch below sought their games or naps, 
and the ship sped smoothly on — under good discipline, 
watched with care, and everybody on board apparently 
content and happy. 

The Trade Winds cover a large expanse of ocean with 



52 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

steady, uniform breezes; but toward their edges become 
frayed out into a fringe of variable airs, calms, strong puffs, 
and heavy squalls. The Wenonah was now in such a 
region — the equatorial limit of the Southeast Trades; and 
the Captain decided to profit by the irregularity of weather 
(which prevented him making much on his course) to 
have a thorough sail exercise — a last touch to the handiness 
of the men in working together. 

Accordingly, one morning, when conditions specially 
favored the manoeuvre, he told the First Mate to have the 
Boatswain pipe, 

"All hands tack ship!" 

The vessel was close-hauled on the port tack, with the 
breeze fresh from the South. The Captain went on the 
poop and took the trumpet, the First Mate took charge 
forward, the Second Mate at the main, and the Third 
Mate at the mizzen ; the crew went to their stations for the 
evolution. 

"Keep her a good full for stays!" and the helmsman 
gave a few spokes of wheel to fill the sails well. Some 
moments elapsed and every man, rope in hand, was eager 
for the word to perform his part. 

"Ease down the helm!" and as the wheel was turned 
over, spoke by spoke, the ship came rapidly to the wind. 
The head sails began to shake, and the weather leeches of 
the square sails to lift. 

"Helm's a lee!" — the clews of the courses were wrench- 
ing for freedom, when the next order, 

"Rise tacks and sheets!" released them and the men on 
the clew garnets ran the clews well up. Meanwhile, the 
spanker was gradually hauled over to port, to force the 
bow into the wind. 



From San Francisco to Callao 53 

"Let go and overhaul the weather lifts!" and the wind- 
ward support of the yards was relieved, preparatory to 
swinging the main. 

The ship had come almost to a standstill — the wind 
whistled strong and loud through the rigging — the sails 
flapped violently — ropes and blocks thrashed about — 
commotion and confusion were rife — and the passengers 
on the poop seemed apprehensive of some calamity: 
Brooks looked eagerly on — every fibre tingling — every 
feeling elated, to see the manoeuvre succeed. It seemed 
about to fail, however — the ship was going in irons, or 
falling off again — when suddenly the Captain ordered, 

"Head down hauls! Cro'jack braces!" and the jibs 
and staysail were hauled down, and the yards on the 
mizzen braced around — sharp aback: it was the straw 
lifted from the camel's load — removing the small obstruc- 
tion at the bow and giving the necessary impulse at the 
stern, to her coming fully into the wind ; both were done at 
the critical moment — everything was soon flat aback — the 
helm was shifted for sternboard — and then came the order, 
"Mainsail haul!" when the yards swung quickly round, 
ropes ran wildly through their blocks, and the men 
jumped with alacrity to trim everything sharp up on the 
starboard tack. The sails on the main were now full, 
while those on the fore, still aback, with the head sails 
(which had been rehoisted) were paying her head rapidly 
to port. 

Excitement ran high both on deck and among the pas- 
sengers : even to the latter, things seemed to be going well, 
and their exhilaration found vent in many exclamations 

° f joy- 

"Head braces!" — they were quickly manned. 



54 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

"Let go and haul!" and the head yards swung round 
and were belayed. The helm had been righted; tacks, 
sheets, and braces were now bowsed taut, and the bowlines 
hauled. 

The Captain ordered the Boatswain to pipe down; and 
the ship was now close hauled on the starboard tack: it 
had not taken twenty minutes to get her there from giving 
the first order. It was a good breeze and the men worked 
with a will and skill that drew from Brooks the exclama- 
tion, " Excellent ! I never saw it better done on the sloop- 
of-war Minnetonka, and she was a smart ship." 

Soon the wind began hauling to the eastward- — an 
indication of the first breath of the steady Trades: the 
Captain told the Mate to wear ship, and ere long she was 
again on the port tack, which she held for many a day on 
her long stretch toward Callao. 

Days and days passed now under the soft, velvety 
touch of the Southeast Trades: the sun shone genial and 
warm; light, fleecy clouds sometimes flecked the sky; the 
nights were balmy and fresh; the stars sparkled like 
brilliants in the humid atmosphere; and the sea had only 
such moderate motion as befitted the uniformity of the 
wind. It veered and hauled a few points, and rose and 
fell — generally increasing from sunrise until afternoon, and 
then slowly subsiding; during the night it retained only a 
part of its strength during the day, thus showing its 
dependence on the sun. 

The ship moved dreamily on, merely following the 
changes of wind without tacking or wearing; only now 
and then a brace was hauled taut, or a pull got on the gear 
of sails that remained forever set: all was ease, quiet, and 
comfort. But such placidity is not good for ship life: 



From San Francisco to Callao 55 

the community is small and shut up within narrow limits; 
they meet at the same board, their occupations are carried 
on jointly, and even their amusements are in common; 
no new faces, no variety, no change — one day follows 
another, and only the date varies. 

When the wind raged, and the sea rose, and the sails 
were reefed, and the ship scudded before the storm, there 
was something serious to occupy the crew — they had no 
time for growling: but in the lulling Trade- winds, with 
Sail Exercise, Fire-quarters, Man-overboard, and other 
routine drills reduced to almost mechanical precision, 
there was ample time for tongues to turn upon the man in 
command and criticize his acts and find a grievance in 
every move. A sea voyage affords a fine opportunity for 
the petty fault-finder; and just at this juncture there was 
a prolific source of discontent on board: the men had to 
draw white shirts and trousers from the ship's stores and 
alter them to fit their own figures; and the venomous ser- 
pent was at hand to incite them to revolt — Sam Ruggles 
was there to tell them they were free Americans (albeit 
some scarcely spoke the English language) ; that merchant 
sailors wore no man's livery; that there was nothing in the 
shipping articles to warrant their toeing a seam every 
morning to have another man — no better than themselves — 
see that they washed their faces and combed their hair, 
like school boys. Hawse came along and remarked to 
Ruggles in a stage whisper: "I wonder how much com- 
mish the old man gets on these white clothes ?" and the 
group working on the garments had another thought — 
that of being swindled — added to the feeling of imposition 
already agitating them at having to get the clothes at all. 

Up to the time of entering the Trades, and while there 



56 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

was much to be done by the Captain to impress his methods 
on the ship's company, he had exercised a close supervision; 
but always through the First Mate : he himself had held as 
much aloof from direct intercourse with the men as the 
autocrat of the quarter deck does on a ship-of-war. But 
having devised the mechanism, set it running, and oiled the 
parts, he thought no friction could arise to require such 
close scrutiny as he had previously given — that, now they 
were enjoying equability of wind and wave, he could with- 
draw somewhat from overlooking details: accordingly, he 
left the management of affairs much to his subordinate. 

Hawse thus seeing himself established between the 
source of power and those subject to it, began fortifying his 
position, so that he should both seem, and really be, the 
commanding officer: he was determined to grasp for the 
independent action he had under Rowley. And the men 
were in a fit state for this sower of tares; the novelty of 
the uniform and of the drills had worn off, and the latter 
were now only tiresome daily grinds: the sailor is a colt 
that rears at bit and saddle; his roving existence is but the 
craving for unbridled action; like the Indian that is 
domesticated, he longs for the vagabond life — the blanket, 
the buckskin leggins, the gun, and the free tread through 
the depths of the forest. 

Hawse was quick to perceive his opportunity: he would 
humor the men — make the inspection a farce — allow them 
to wear what they pleased — and grant on the spot their 
requests, so as to show them he was master; at the same 
time he would foster their antagonism to the Captain by 
many ways in which he was an adept. 

And it must be confessed that the advantage of personal- 
ity for dealing with the men lay with Hawse : he was more 



From San Francisco to Callao 57 

imbued with their spirit, habits, feelings, and sympathies, 
than Colburn; he had an adaptability of action toward 
human weakness, customs, and prejudices that Colburn 
had not. Colburn looked at the absolute right —the legal 
requirement — the proper course — of any procedure; and 
endeavored to conform his action to it as circumstances 
would reasonably allow: Hawse, on the other hand, 
looked at every matter from the utilitarian stand-point, 
with, however, a keen eye, primarily, to any advantage 
he could get out of it for himself. Hawse was practical 
and politic: Colburn, a little of an idealist — a stickler for 
the fitness of things, tempered, however, with good, 
practical qualities. Both knew their profession, but 
Hawse was by nature the better seaman ; he was, however, a 
moral degenerate — absolutely devoid of principle. Col- 
burn's impulses were toward the right, and though, like 
everybody, he did wrong at times, still it was never pre- 
meditated, as was most likely to be the case with the First 
Mate. Hawse could be companionable with the men; he 
spoke oracularly on things of the sea, which pleased them : 
he was popular. Colburn was taciturn and did not 
attract. 

Soon after the Captain began to absent himself from the 
morning inspection, Hawse called up the mates and said, 
" The men keep pretty straight now, do you think they need 
such close watching?" and the wink that followed, con- 
veyed that the question was less of a query than an order. 

Accordingly, the next day, only the front of the line was 
inspected — the back might be down at heel and out at 
elbow, but neither was examined. A few days later, the 
inspection was reduced to a hasty walk along the line, 
scarcely looking at it — correcting nothing — finding fault 



58 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

with nothing: finally, it came to omitting even this sem- 
blance — the mate simply stood in front of the lounging 
group that did not even toe a seam — nodded to them, 
and said, "That mil do, boys — go forward." 

The natural result soon followed : frowzy heads began to 
appear, and faces that looked dirty from sprouting stubble. 
The Captain called Hawse's attention to the neglect, but 
was met with a ready excuse — the men were thoughtless — 
he had to nag them constantly to keep them up to the mark : 
but he found it politic to have them shaved and cropped. 
A few days passed, and slouchy, dirty clothes were seen; 
Colburn told the Mate, and again the excuse — those men 
had been doing dirty work and hadn't time to shift: but 
they got into clean clothes, nevertheless. Next, a pair of 
heavy cowhide boots came from their hole and shuffled 
along; the deck, one trouser leg tucked in, the other hanging 

O ' O DO 

over the boot. The Captain ordered them off and stowed 
away, and again the Mate made the plea that the man put 
them on while washing decks and forgot to take them off. 
Heavy boots to wash decks in the Tropics ! The absurdity 
of the excuse did not strike him. The real reason — that the 
man wanted to indulge his wayward spirit — kick over the 
traces, even to his discomfort — would be incredible any- 
where but on board ship. 

Days passed, and with them successive lapses in dress 
and discipline : a battered derby came to light and replaced 
a uniform cap; a red shirt occasionally flashed forth or a 
striped one with a bob-tail jacket, which brought to mind 
the harlequin aspect of the first quarter-deck muster in 
San Francisco. 

At every new symptom of decline, Hawse was ready with 
an answer for the Captain's fault-finding: the men were 



From San Francisco to Callao 59 

mending their uniform; or, in the Tropics, they couldn't 
be kept up to the notch they had been in cooler weather; 
or, the Captain had said they could wear out their old 
clothes brought from shore; or, or, or, etc., ad nauseam — 
all frivolous and beside the question. Each time, however, 
there was a sprucing up for a day or two, and then a 
relapse into greater neglect and disorder than before. 

All these trifling infractions exasperated Colburn beyond 
their intrinsic importance; to him, their persistent recur- 
rence indicated the trend: like the woolen garment that is 
moth-eaten in every thread and needs only a shake to have 
it crumble into dust — so the discipline and efficiency were 
being sapped by this gnawing canker of petty disobedience. 

And it was not in dress and personal appearance alone 
that the Captain saw a change; the men were no longer 
respectful in demeanor when he passed, neither did they 
move as quickly at work, and the drills and exercises 
dragged — evidently the poison was working everywhere. 

The Captain was studying the situation. It is not 
always necessary to be an eye witness of an act, to be 
satisfied that it occurred: circumstantial evidence is often 
the most convincing; and so Colburn pondered and made 
his deductions from passing events, determined to do 
nothing until sure of the course he should take. 

In another direction the Mate ingratiated himself with 
the men by an occasional gift of a plug of tobacco or a few 
cans of condensed milk from his grocery store, recouping 
himself afterward by the next article he sold. 

In order to impress the men that his was the all- watching 
eye, he used to say in a very official voice to the Mate that 
relieved him at the end of the second dog-watch, " Let me 
know if the ship is headed off much during the night — 



60 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

enough to need tacking; and call me in case of foul, 
threatening weather." 

These behests were such as only the Captain should 
make, and being overheard (as was intended) by the man 
at the wheel, they soon found their way to the forecastle. 

Brooks with his early experience of ship life, and the 
keen scent for man's duplicity and craft (acquired as a 
newspaper reporter), quickly saw what was going on; 
moreover, he had, what the Captain did not — ocular 
evidence of its source. 

The passengers roamed at will over the ship and mingled 
freely with the men forward: the sailors' quaint, direct 
ways of saying things, their highly colored tales of the sea; 
their simple games ; and (in the main) their guileless actions 
— all amused and interested Doctor Austin and his family : 
little Adeline was seldom happier than with them; they 
loved her and never wearied of devising novel pranks and 
frolics to astonish her. There were Spaniards, French- 
men and Italians in the crew, and each took pleasure in 
teaching her a few words of their own patois, merely to hear 
the earnest, pretty way she would repeat them: 

" Buon giorno, como sta angelita ?" 

" Que tal, cara mia ?" 

" Mon enfant, je te salue!" all these greeted her appear- 
ance, when she would courtesy, and answer with sprightly 
mien, "Messieurs, je vous remercie; me alegro mucho de 
verlos; state tutti bene?" and the ring of laughter that 
would rise from assembled Jack was a joy to hear. 

It was thus, in loitering about the decks, that Brooks 
and the Doctor, without intending to play the eavesdropper, 
heard many a word and saw many a move between the 
men and officers, especially between Hawse and Ruggles, 



From San Francisco to Callao 61 

that indicated some common interest actuating them 
against the Captain. They could see the pooling of the 
issues, but not their raison d'etre. At first, they thought 
to apprise Colburn of what they suspected and knew, but 
on further reflection decided to wait and watch the scheme 
develop. 

That individuality characterizes animated nature is 
evident to all : each living thing has traits that distinguish 
it from others of its kind ; but that there is also an individ- 
uality among manimate things is not so apparent; and yet 
it is true. 

The woman who runs a sewing machine finds some small 
differences between even those from the same maker: she 
prefers the one she is accustomed to — she knows its antics 
and can manage them ; she would have to learn those of a 
new one. So, with the man who has a stock of razors from 
which to choose for his morning's use: through long ac- 
quaintance, he knows the keenest and smoothest; the one 
which retains its edge best; and the one whose edge turns 
and grits like a fine saw: in a word, he knows the temper 
and temperament of each. 

And so with ships, only in a greater degree because of 
their complicated structure, which introduces many sources 
of variability even when built on the same model. 

It is well known that every seaman, however capable, has 
something to learn of the qualities of a ship he goes aboard 
of for the first time: her best point of sailing; her capacity 
for beating and for tacking; whether she rolls easily and 
without danger to her spars, or quickly, and is liable to 
snap them off in a heavy beam sea; what sail she will best 
lie-to under — in fact, her faults and caprices of every kind. 
These he can iearn only by working her in varied conditions 



62 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

of wind and sea. And a man with this experience has a 
great advantage over him who has it not, when both are 
officers of the same ship; if the former be the chief officer 
and the latter her commander, the situation is most un- 
fortunate — and this was the relation Hawse bore to Col- 
burn. Hawse had been on the Wenonah many years — 
he knew her in every part and in every movement ; he knew 
when she would tack and when he must wear — indeed 
what she would do under any given circumstances: thus 
he had the whip hand and was disposed to use it rather 
arrogantly. He was constantly magnifying trifles to worry 
the Captain — raising obstacles to momentous size, only 
to level them himself, and thus impress others with his 
skill. If there was one quality predominant in his char- 
acter, it was simulation — he was a balloon of pretence; 
and for this there was neither need nor excuse: he was 
really capable, but his natural abilities were wholly 
unequal to the personage he wanted to appear — he was 
an insufferable braggart. 

Previously to the present stage of our narrative, Hawse 
had been in the habit of consulting the Captain about ship 
matters — things whose importance determined whether 
they should be done by the Mate at his own discretion, or 
referred to the Captain for decision. 

If the Mate be loyal, zealous, and sensible, the more 
such things are left to him, the better: it stimulates his 
interest and care, and relieves the Captain of little annoy- 
ances — free to perform broader duties. This was the 
principle Colburn acted on; but when the irregularities 
in uniform and personal appearance of the crew came 
crowding into view, he found also that many things which 
should have been referred to him in any case, had been 



From San Francisco to Callao 63 

attended to by Hawse without even reporting his action. 
Thus, one day when they were to have a drill at " Man over- 
board," he found all the boats stripped of every equipment 
— masts, sails, oars, boat hooks, breakers (all stowed away 
where they could not be got quickly), and the boats them- 
selves wet with fresh paint. He told Hawse of the im- 
prudence of such action — that an emergency might arise, 
and that one boat should always be ready for use. The 
Mate met the rebuff with a contemptuous look, as if to say : 
" O you are entirely too prudent." 

On another occasion the Captain heard much hammer- 
ing — a carpenter busy at work; and going forward, he found 
him beginning the construction of a light bridge from the 
top of the galley (where there was a small chart house) 
to each side of the ship. He sent for the Mate, and said, 

" I don't remember your asking me to do this." 

"No, but I thought you would like it; it will be con- 
venient going in and out of port." 

"Well, whenever you think of doing any other work of 
this size, let me know before you begin it — I may not want 
it done at all." 

" Do you want me to ask permission to do everything 
about the ship ?" 

"No, not everything; but certainly things of this im- 
portance." 

"Very well, sir": and the Mate's impatience was evident 
in his manner. 

Still another time, the Captain heard the rat, tat, tat, 
of short sharp clicks of iron upon iron : he went to ascertain 
its cause, and found the whole ship's company with belay- 
ing pins beating the anchor chains, which had been hauled 
up on deck for cleaning. 



64 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

" Mr. Hawse, why have you all hands at this ? I told 
you the watch below was to be called up only in very urgent 
cases." 

" This work belongs to all hands and I want it done 
quick — one watch would take too long." 

" Well, sir, I won't weaken your authority by sending the 
watch below now; but never repeat this action." 

"Very well, sir," replied the Mate with a scowl. 

The Captain came on the poop one afternoon when the 
breeze was fresh, and found the topsail sheets running a 
fathom slack with every lurch of the ship, the yards in great 
need of trimming, and the Second Mate (who had the 
watch) in jolly converse with the man at the wheel: the 
Captain, in consequence, had to brace the Mate up rather 
sharply for his oft- repeated instance of general laxity; 
and of course the Mate added a new grievance to his stock 
against the Captain. 

Again, he found the ship headed off so much, by the 
wind veering, that she would approach the port more by 
going round on the other tack: the sneaky Snively was on 
watch, and the Captain asked with much severity, 

"How long has she been headed off like this?" 

"Two hours, sir." 

" Why didn't you report it ?" 

"I did, sir — to Mr. Hawse; and he told me to keep her 
so, and he would let me know when to tack." 

" Tack ship immediately; and understand once for all 
that I command here — not Mr. Hawse." 

"Yes, sir; but he told me always to let him know about 
changes of wind and sail, and everything else on the ship"; 
whined the treacherous Snively, anxious to clear himself of 
blame. 



From San Francisco to Callao 65 

"You heard my order — obey it." 

"Yes sir, I will"; said the Snively thoroughly frightened. 

And so it was from day to day, one thing after another — 
always butting against the Captain's well known views. 
The spirit of insubordination was rife, imperilling the 
organization and working its downfall — just as the ship 
worm bores the piles of a wharf through and through, until 
at last a vessel strikes them and they fall to pieces: and 
Jacob Hawse was the human teredo that bored into the 
brain of every member of the ship's company and left his 
corroding poison there. 

The Mate seeing that his scheme was succeeding, grew 
bolder — ignored the Captain's orders more frequently, 
and followed his own way oftener: his course was as close 
to actual disobedience as he could steer without committing 
the overt act; he was far too crafty, however, to stumble 
into that pitfall. Even more, there was often a thin veneer 
of deference in his manner toward the Captain, but always 
streaked with impatience and self-will. 

Colburn fully realized the seriousness of an open break 
with Hawse: the Mate was vicious and determined, and in 
a position to make the ship a cauldron of discontent; 
Colburn therefore used every means consistent with self 
respect and his own authority to mollify him; but 

" Thou mayst hold a serpent by the tongue, 
A chafed lion by the mortal paw, 
A fasting tiger safer by the tooth, 
Than keep in peace that hand which ' ' on revenge is bent. 

During the early days of the passage (ere he had come 
to know Hawse well) the Captain was in the habit of ask- 
ing his opinion about many things on the ship, as he 



66 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

considered him a sensible man; but gradually he gave this 
up, as he judged that Hawse attributed such action to a 
motive other than the real one — the desire in every human 
breast to know another's point of view regarding a new 
situation, especially when that other is familiar with its 
conditions. 

In every human breast? Not quite. There is your 
self-sufficient, arrogant man — almost devoid of sympathy 
with his kind — whose vanity is so great that it would con- 
ceal any mass of ignorance rather than ask another's 
opinion or advice. To do so, would be weak in his eyes: 
but, if weak at all, his own motive is far weaker — it is 
insufferable vanity, and not in any degree the noble qual- 
ity of self-reliant Pride. 

And so it came about that Colburn thought over the con- 
ditions of every situation himself — came to a decision — 
and then announced this in few words and clear; he kept 
his own counsel, never talked of a contemplated act, but 
waited until the time was fit, and then did it: it weakens 
an order to issue in drops — it should come en bloc, with the 
force of a cascade. 

This ignoring of Hawse stung him — he snarled like a 
dog when an attempt is made to snatch away his bone; 
and every new order that came without preamble was but 
the occasion for greater show of teeth. The scowling 
spread — the other Mates, the Engineer, even some of the 
men, became affected; so that the Captain scarcely met a 
cheerful look when he went about the ship; and yet there 
was sunshine in their life — the fictitious gloom was solely 
for him. The twang of the Spaniard's guitar was often 
heard in accompaniment to Adeline's sweet voice in a 
stanza of the Paloma which he had taught her; a fiddle 



From San Francisco to Callao 67 

supplied a lively tune every evening; and there was a group 
to join in the song and dance: all this merriment was an 
indication of the contentment that really existed — and 
why should it be otherwise ? Their food was good, their 
work equitably apportioned, their proper rest ensured; 
they were justly and considerately dealt with; and the 
substance of everything conducive to their well-being was 
provided: it was only the mask of discontent that was put 
on. 

Sea life, whether in the merchant marine or in the naval 
service, is no more exempt from craft than life elsewhere — 
it only manifests itself differently; and on the Wenonah 
this craft took the form of thwarting the Captain by a 
multiplicity of petty devices. 

Hawse planned with the utmost cunning the situation 
he would create for Colburn — he would deprive him of the 
good will of officers and men alike, who should watch him 
with the eye single to seeing only harm to themselves in 
his every move; this would prey upon Colburn and bring 
about physical and mental nervousness, if not collapse: 
then he would step in and seize the control he exercised 
under old Rowley. 

But he had now another than Rowley to deal with. 

Notwithstanding the emotion that was raging within 
him, and his mobility of feature that was prone to show its 
fire, still Colburn kept his actions well in check: he was 
thinking hard — aware that some commotion was surging 
beneath him; but how much he knew of its nature and 
extent, his serious look gave no sign. They were now 
nearing Callao — within a week they would be at anchor — 
and he must have some little time to see the effect of the 
course he should adopt, before entering port. 



68 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

Accordingly, one morning, after breakfast, he sent the 
steward to tell the three Mates that he wished to see them 
in his cabin, the one on watch to be relieved by the Boat- 
swain. When they came in, he said : 

" I need not tell you of the state of affairs that exists on 
this ship — you know it well, and also its cause, no doubt, 
better than I do. I have called you in to let you know 
what I have decided to do toward remedying it. You will, 
hereafter, be in three watches, Mr. Hawse taking his 
regular turn, instead of the morning and dog watches as 
now. The morning inspection will be at nine thirty and 
I shall be present at it. The Second Mate alone will have 
charge of the cleanliness of the men, and he will inspect 
both the watches and report their condition directly to me, 
instead of to the First Mate as now. The Third Mate 
will have charge of all the boats ; he will inspect them every 
day and see that they are always serviceable, and report 
directly to me at inspection. The First Mate will have 
charge of the sails, spars, rigging and all other parts of 
the ship; he will inspect them periodically and report their 
condition to me. I don't want it understood as a threat, 
still I think it due as a warning, that unless matters mend — 
unless there is a cheerful and ready compliance with my 
orders, I shall set the person ashore that I consider respon- 
sible for the insubordination : he will be paid off at the next 
port we reach after I am convinced of his offence. I have 
no intention of allowing the present surly condition to 
continue to New York. This is all I have to say, except 
to Mr. Hawse, who will remain." 

When the others left the cabin, the Captain turned to 
him and continued: "When I came on board this ship I 
asked you to give me a list of the articles in your store- 



From San Francisco to Callao 69 

room with the cost and selling price of each : several weeks 
have passed, and you have not yet done it; now I want it by 
to-morrow night, and also that you post a list of the articles 
with their selling price only, on the door of the storeroom 
and in the crew's quarters. I have only one thing more to 
say, and that is, that I shall hereafter take a more direct 
part in the management of affairs; but this is not to be a 
reason for you to relax in any way." 

The Mate had come in with a defiant spirit — ready to 
deny any accusation the Captain might make, for he had 
expected only such : when, however, this was made only by 
insinuation, and that what was said, and with all the 
directness possible, was merely an order to be obeyed — 
with the alternative of open revolt and be set ashore — it 
took all the fight out of him. 

He had been found out: he had been humiliated in the 
presence of the other Mates: he no longer occupied a 
coigne of vantage, but was on the common level — shorn of 
the independent action which he might have exercised, 
had he not over-reached himself: he was discredited with 
the Captain, and was merely another cipher added to those 
he himself had reduced to naught — not the significant 
figure that gave them value. 

He recovered himself enough to say with some submis- 
siveness, " Captain, this is a hard thing you've done to me: 
I don't deserve it; I have always done my duty." 

"It is nothing to what you have tried to do to me: do 
you know what your offence is ? I call it inciting to 
mutiny, and if I could get witnesses to the fact, I would 
not stop at the only means within my power, but have you 
before the first court that could try you : your grasping for 
power has impelled you to this outrageous act : you are old 



70 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

enough in years and in the usages of the sea, to know that it 
is the greatest crime that can be attempted on board ship : 
you deserve the severest punishment, without considera- 
tion. I will speak no more on the subject, but hope this 
mild lesson will be of use to you." 

During the following few days, the behavior of the First 
Mate was all the Captain could desire — he was respectful 
and eager to do his bidding; and as a consequence, the 
others did likewise. Colburn had judged them aright — 
weather vanes that would be quick to turn with any new 
shift of wind. 

The change was so noticeable that the Doctor remarked 
to Brooks, " Do you see how smoothly everything is going 
on now — 'tis wonderful: the Captain must have given 
heroic treatment for the malady." 

"That's true," said Brooks: " Colburn 's thoughtful look 
for the past two weeks showed he had a serious case on 
hand : the diagnosis must have been correct and the remedy 
effective — -it certainly was not homeopathic. I am very 
glad now that we gave him no hint of what was going on." 

" O yes," replied the Doctor: " 'tis generally best to keep 
out of family feuds." 

The weather was now decidedly changing : the customary 
sunshine was gone, and banks of vapor filled the sky, 
sometimes in dense masses shutting out the horizon, and 
again in long filmy streamers torn by the wind : the air was 
very damp — they were nearing Callao, the place where 
it never rains, but where the fog closes in with such pene- 
trating wetness as to rival the downpour of other places. 

One day more, and they would be at anchor. Colburn 
had never been in this port, but he had made himself 
familiar with it by study of the charts and sailing directions. 



From San Francisco to Callao 71 

Notwithstanding the frequent obscuring of the sun, he 
got good observations for latitude and longitude, and also 
(what was no less valuable) a series of time-azimuths by 
which he determined compass errors on the courses he 
should use running in. Working out these and having an 
eye on the preparations for port, kept him very busy dur- 
ing the day. He hoped that night-fall would sweep away 
the mist so that he could see the high land of San Lorenzo 
well out to sea; but in vain: the fog settled down denser 
and wetter than ever, and the breeze began to fail. To- 
ward midnight it was almost calm, with everything drip- 
ping with the heavy, wet fog. He gave orders to get up 
steam and couple the propeller, and when these were 
ready, he had the sails furled, and proceeded cautiously 
under steam — blowing the whistle continually. His ob- 
servations now stood him in good stead, for he could shape 
his course with safety through the fog and darkness, and 
avoid the outlying islets that are so dangerous and worry- 
ing to one not sure of his position and compass deviations. 

Daylight came, and with it the fog began to drift away. 
The sun shone forth — the mist grew thinner — it faded to a 
gauzy veil, and through its folds Colburn was delighted to 
see the prominences of San Lorenzo coming out directly 
ahead. He had been up all night and was worn out, but 
this his first successful landfall in command was a spur to 
his spirits and a source of much satisfaction. 

The First Mate had the morning watch and made every- 
thing ship-shape, as he well could do : the anchors were got 
ready for letting go; decks washed; bright- work cleaned; 
sails neatly furled ; yards squared ; rigging hauled taut and 
snugly coiled on the pins. 

At eight o'clock a large new ensign was hoisted at 



72 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

the peak, and both watches went to breakfast. 

The ship steamed rapidly on — a beautiful specimen of 
American marine architecture. The Captain piloted her 
in. 

When close to the shipping, he descried an American 
flag on a vessel at anchor, so he steered to take up a berth 
astern of her. 

The Boatswain piped : " All hands bring ship to anchor !" 
and men and officers went to their stations: the former 
were in mustering clothes, and the latter in uniform. 

The Wenonah slowed down, made a graceful sweep 
around the stern of the United States Flagship Adirondack, 
which was the vessel that bore the American flag he had 
seen, and when off her port quarter, let go the anchor 
and swung to the Trade Wind. 

The crew of the Adirondack swarmed at the rail, waving 
their caps, while her band played the Star Spangled 
Banner. 

It was an inspiriting sight — this fine ship and her majestic 
entrance among the vessels that thronged the harbor. 



CHAPTER V 

Callao 

Callao, the chief port of Peru, is built on an expanse 
of flat ground that is but a few feet above the level of the 
sea; and the rise of this plain toward Lima (eight miles 
distant) is very gradual. Further on, however, the 
ascent is rapid, and soon the steep slopes of the Andean 
Cordillera are reached, towering more than seventeen 
thousand feet into the region of perpetual snow. 

The port has an inner harbor made by artificial construc- 
tions, and an outer one naturally formed by a projection 
or spit of the mainland south of the city and an island 
(San Lorenzo) lying a short distance to the westward. 
In this outer harbor the great bulk of the shipping lies at 
anchor — riding to the winds that blow through the 
Bocaron, the passage between San Lorenzo and the spit. 

The city is the headquarters of English, French, and 
German lines of steamers that maintain regular communi- 
cation with Europe by way of the Straits of Magellan: 
more steamers go to Panama, Valparaiso, and other ports 
north and south : numerous sailing vessels and several ships- 
of-war of different nationalities are always in harbor; and 
indeed so much is it the entrepot for merchandise, that 
more than two thousand craft of all kinds enter it annually. 
This means that sailors abound at all times — sailors of 
every race and of every grade; and likewise, that allure- 
ments to attract them also abound and flourish — the 

73 



74 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

gambling den, the house of ill repute, and the groggery. 

The population numbers more than forty thousand — 
some of pure Spanish blood, a sprinkling of Americans, 
English, French, Germans, and Chinese; but the great 
majority is native, either Mestizos — a mixture of Indian 
and Spaniard — or pure Indian. 

A railway and a carriage road connect the port with 
Lima, the capital — a fine city of over two hundred thou- 
sand inhabitants. 

Both Callao and Lima have many of the modern 
improvements and comforts that cities of similar size in any 
other country possess: the houses are generally only two 
stories, however, on account of the danger from earth- 
quakes. The original settlement of Callao, which was a 
little south of the present city, was destroyed in 1746 by an 
earthquake and tidal wave. Pizarro founded Lima in 
1535, during his conquest of Peru; and in that city he was 
assassinated. 

Callao being in the midst of the Southeast Trades, 
enjoys the mild, equable climate of the zone swept by those 
winds: they come from the Atlantic heavily laden with 
vapor which they gradually discharge as rain while blowing 
over Brazil, giving growth to the luxuriant vegetation of 
that land; they deposit more on the eastern slopes of the 
Andes; and finally as they rise to the summit of the Cor- 
dilleras, the last vestige of moisture is wrung from them by 
the frigid peaks, in the form of snow. Thus, the Trades 
pass as dry winds over the narrow strip of plain west of the 
Andes in which Callao and Lima are situated, making of 
this region one of the rainless areas of the globe. It never 
rains at Callao — but Fog! dense, wet, and dripping, is 
frequent. 



Callao 75 

As the ocean that washes the coast is within the Tropics, 
there is necessarily abundant evaporation from its surface : 
this vapor fills the air, and would generally be invisible, 
or at most fleck the sky with light feathery clouds (by 
reason of the natural warmth of the locality) but for a cold 
ocean current that skirts the coast on its way toward the 
equator from the Antarctic. The inroad of cold air from 
this current condenses the vapor, and this saturates every- 
thing — drops from everything — obscures everything, and 
makes the run into port a worrying procedure for ships. 

Nothing burns the skin so much as fog — a sunny fog, if 
one may so call that which often settles upon Callao; 
where the misty vapor is impenetrable all round, and yet 
the sun shines down from a small blue dome. But it is not 
always foggy at Callao: many — very many, genial, sunny 
days occur; and then the soft, balmy feeling of the Trade- 
wind climate is experienced. 

Among seamen, Callao is noted for its "Painter" — an 
atmospheric condition that arises suddenly, and in a night 
turns the white paint of ships a dirty, streaked, blackish 
hue : it is supposed to be due to sulphuretted hydrogen and 
other gases that strongly impregnate subterranean springs 
which periodically force their way through an overlying 
stratum of mud and clay in the harbor. 

Of late years, food of all kinds is abundant and reason- 
able in price in both Lima and Callao ; and the fertile spots 
along the valley of the Rimac yield a plentiful supply of 
fruit: the alligator pears are especially fine. 

The most delicious cup of coffee in the world can be 
obtained from the bean grown in Peru : Cuzco coffee, as it 
is called, is unexcelled for its smooth taste, aromatic per- 
fume, and rich pleasing savor: freshly made, with its own 



76 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

excellence brought out and enhanced by pure cream — 
giving it a fine golden color — no beverage can surpass it: 
it is well worth the high price it commands even on its 
native heath. 

The general features and aspect of Callao and Lima are 
Spanish: the language is Spanish: the habits, customs, 
and practices bear a strong Spanish impress; and the 
intercourse of the people is characterized by Spanish 
courtesy and deliberateness that makes one feel he is living 
in a reposeful community. The hustling American, 
impatient of their easy way of conducting affairs, calls them 
mafiana people — which, being freely translated, means 
that they seldom do to-day what they can put off till to- 
morrow. 

There are many beautiful women in both cities, and they 
constitute a distinctive type — having small, regular, 
delicate features; clear, pale complexion; black hair; and 
very black eyes — full of sparkle, directness, and candor. 
Their organization seems to be of the nervous, decided 
kind, rather than (as one would expect in a tropical clime) 
a languid and pliant one. 

With entire modesty and propriety, they call a spade 
a spade: one day a party came on board the Wenonah to 
see the ship ; they were from Lima and consisted of several 
young girls and some married women — all far above the 
middle class. Brooks, who spoke Spanish, acted as host 
to entertain them, and found their language cultivated and 
refined. He said to a young senora who gave her age as 
eighteen : 

" Do you marry young in this country ?" 

" O yes, sometimes at fifteen : my sister there (pointing to 
her) is only twenty-eight, and she has seven children." 



Callao 77 

"And you," said Brooks, "are you married ?" 

"Yes." 

"Have you children?" 

"No." 

" But," continued Brooks, thinking she was only recently 
married, "you will have some in time?" "No lo se: he 
sido casada dos anos ' ' — with a shrug as if to say, the case 
is hopeless. 

Brooks thinking it was an instance of marido viejo y 
mujer joven, asked — "How old is your husband?" 

"Twenty-two!" 

There is neither prude nor brazen in their manner, 
actions, or speech; but honest, frank, innocent nature. 

The first steamer sailing for Panama after the arrival 
of the Wenonah, carried in her mail the following letter 
from Jacob Hawse to his friend Angus Bain, a clerk in 
the shipping house of Alec Campbell & Co. of New 
York, owners of the Wenonah: 

American Ship Wenonah, Callao. 

Friend Bain: Before you get this, you'll hear Colburn 
got the ship. He's that fellow that done wharf duty so 
long in Frisco that he forgot sailorizing. What do you 
suppose he's done here? Put us all in uniform! He 
sprung it on the men after we left port. He had a supply 
of clothing hidden on board, and they had to draw suits 
when we were two weeks out and couldn't help themselves. 
He won't let them wear the clothes they came aboard in. 
They think he's making money out of it, and are wild 
about that and other things. 

We have inspection every day. The men would keep 
clean of their own will, if let alone; but it is having the 
Captain look at them to see that they are, that angers them. 



78 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

We have exercises, too, of all kinds. That's all right, 
to look out for a man if he falls overboard, or if the ship 
takes fire; but to be tacking ship and reefing sail so as to 
have it done ship-shape — I never saw that before. I can 
tack ship with a dozen men any time, and I can reef in any 
storm with all hands, and I don't want any drill beforehand 
to do it well. It is a waste of time, and we wasted many 
hours in it. We ought to have reached Callao long ago. 
Colburn was in the Navy during the war, so we have all the 
slow, costly ways of running a ship that he learnt there. 
He takes in the light sails whenever the wind is strong, 
when they would give the ship another knot. That's 
Navy style, but not the way we do in the merchant service. 
Then he don't know how to take advantage of the wind. 
Instead of keeping close-hauled and heading right up for 
the port whenever the wind let him, he followed some 
kind of a race course he laid down on the chart which he 
showed us. 

All rot ! In this way we idled away out almost to Easter 
Island before heading up for Callao. At the rate we're 
now jogging along, it will take two weeks more than it 
should to reach New York. O he will cost the owners a 
nice penny before he gets the ship there! But he won't 
run her into any danger while I'm aboard. I've told the 
mates to call me at night in case of bad weather and to 
keep me posted on everything going on. When the Cap- 
tain is not about, I mean to have the ship steer a course 
that will bring her quickest into port, and carry all the 
sail she'll stand. But I can't prevent some delay, as he 
is on deck sometimes. 

He don't know how to handle men. They won't work 
for him. And unless you know the sailor and humor him, 



Callao 79 

he's like a mule, and you can't get over his stubborn 
spirit. Who suffers for this ? Why, the owners, of course. 
How would it be in your office, for example ? If the clerks 
had ill will for Alec Campbell & Co., do you think 
things would get on as well as with their good will ? 'Tis 
the same on board ship. Things don't go well when the 
skipper don't understand the men, and if damage don't 
come to the ship, delay will: they won't be in a hurry to 
brace yards, or shake out reefs, or bend new sails when 
others carry away. Their ill will takes a hundred forms 
of butting against the Captain, who, they know, wants to 
stand well with the owners. 

You can put it down as fixed that Jake Hawse don't 
make any more passages with that man Colburn. I 
wouldn't have my reputation spoiled by having it said that 
I was Mate of that tub Wenonah. But the ship's all right. 
'Tis the way she's run is all wrong. You ought to see that 
the owners look out for their interest in this matter. 

Yours truly, 

Jacob Hawse, First Mate. 



CHAPTER VI 

John Northrup 

"For see your vocation, brethren, that there are not many 
wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many 
noble: but the foolish things of the world hath God chosen, 
that He may confound the wise; and the weak things of the 
world hath God chosen, that He may confound the strong; 
and the base things of the world and the things that are 
contemptible, hath God chosen, and things that are not, 
that He might bring to nought things that are — that no 
flesh should glory in His sight." — New Testament 

John Northrup was not a great man in the sense that 
men were, whose names appear in this chapter; but he 
wrought out his own career with courage and honesty, 
and contributed in no slight degree to the success and 
happiness of others: he made the most of his talents and 
opportunities, and therefore deserves to have his life told 
in brief, as typical of multitudes who, by judicious, per- 
severing effort, become the support and mainstay of society. 
The meteor blazes forth and astonishes, but it is the steady 
genial sunlight that gives us the fruits of the earth and the 
buoyancy of spirit. 

John Northrup became a passenger on the Wenonah at 
Callao, and in the closing scenes of this most veracious tale 
he plays an important part. 

Man (using the term in its generic sense) comes into the 
world marked as distinctively with certain characteristics as 

80 



John Northrup 81 

articles of commerce that bear the stamp of the manu- 
facturer. As he grows, and the features acquire a cast and 
expression that distinguish him from other men, these 
features will, in different degrees, bear a resemblance to 
those of his parents : his organs, also, will partake more or 
less of the condition of his progenitors, and be corre- 
spondingly sound or defective : likewise, a vigorous or weak 
brain may safely be taken as an index of the source from 
which it sprung. 

This transmission of the material impress is easily con- 
ceded to be in the natural order; but there are other 
attributes — the will, temper, passions, emotions, and con- 
science — which are no less the outgrowth of the stem than 
those that are obviously so: and even qualities that may 
be chiefly of cultivation in the parent — affability, grace 
of movement, elegance of speech — all that constitutes 
refinement of person — are not wholly lost by the death of 
the perishable matter upon which they were grafted and 
nurtured, but become part of the new life that succeeds 
to it. 

The first generation toils with its hands and has the 
plainness and brusqueness that such a condition engenders : 
savings accumulate, and in the second generation the 
amenities of life creep in: while with the third generation 
we have wealth and the refinements of culture and taste. 
It is the same stock, but bred under steadily improving 
conditions. 

During the lapse of years, certain traits, like distinctive 

threads woven into cloth, permeate the organism of a 

whole people, and hence we have the characteristics that 

distinguish one race or nation from another: man is born 

not only the inheritor of his parents' acquisitions, but also 
i 



82 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

the heir of his race or nation — streaked with those pecu- 
liarities that single him out as American, French, or Ger- 
man ; Caucasian or Mongolian. 

It is not, however, that this seed of family or of race 
will produce an offshoot exactly like its progenitor — the 
resemblance will be only in general characteristics, more 
or less marked in the individual : nor yet can the inherent 
traits of the child be so cultivated that improvement may 
be insured in each succeeding generation until eventually 
perfection is attained — that would place man in the cate- 
gory of growing plants, beyond the pale of emotions, 
passions, reason, and judgment; but the inevitable frost 
comes and blights the most carefully nurtured shrub, and 
so the Might of God often strikes man in his arrogant self- 
reliance. Moreover, as if to impress him with the reality 
of this Higher Power, how often do we see the most strik- 
ing examples of human greatness rise direct from the soil — 
from the most humble conditions of life — devoid of pre- 
vious cultivation — without a trace in their antecedents of 
those qualities that make the world resound with their 
fame! 

If we ask who has described with greatest accuracy the 
varied emotions of the human heart — placed before us its 
workings with such strength and aptness of expression that 
they have passed into daily speech as the very embodiment 
of what we wish to say — does not the name of Shake- 
speare rise to every lip ? Shakespeare, the son of a glove- 
maker! 

Seek for an example of courage, tact, judgment, and 
prudence — for intrepidity to go where man never ventured 
— to penetrate the unknown, strewn with shoals and reefs, 
without chart or guide, or aught to inform him of wind or 



John Northrup 83 

current, even while dependent on mutinous sailors; and 
we find Columbus — the son of a woolcomber! 

If we pursue our quest into the Fine Arts, for men born 
of parents without distinction, but who themselves became 
famous, there is Raphael, whose pictures are almost 
animate with the purity, nobility, and charming traits of 
womankind — whose Sistine Madonna alone should entitle 
him to a place in her heavenly court; and Canova, whose 
beautiful marble figures lack only the vital spark to give 
them speech — his very name signifies how humble was his 
origin; for he had been a waiter in a canova di vino. 

In wisdom and philosophy, Benjamin Franklin stands 
preeminent — the fifteenth child of a family of seventeen; 
which indicates how little training each could receive from 
a father whose trade was soap-making. 

John Bright, the eloquent reformer and just man, was 
the son of a cotton-spinner; and Daniel Webster, the 
eminent statesman, jurist, and orator, whose very name 
typifies strength of intellect, was a farmer's boy. 

Joseph Fourier, the celebrated French mathematician, 
whose analytical process is universally employed in phy- 
sical investigations, was the son of a tailor: he became an 
orphan at the age of eight and was brought up by a friend. 

If we look for linguistic versatility, there is no name that 
will stand beside that of Cardinal Mezzofanti, the son of 
a poor Bolognese carpenter, and who himself was destined 
for the same trade. Mezzofanti, who conversed with 
almost every celebrated person of every country who 
visited either Rome or Bologna, and with each in his own 
language so fluently, so correctly, so idiomatically — yea, 
even to provincialisms of the several nations, as to astonish 
the listener; who preached to the Chinese students of the 



84 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

Propaganda in their own tongue; who was Professor of 
Sanscrit and Arabic at the age of twenty-two; who, in the 
course of his life, learned Greek, Latin, English, French, 
Spanish, German, Portuguese, Russian, Polish, Turkish, 
Welsh, Irish, and other tongues and dialects, until at 
death he was the possessor of seventy-eight different ways 
of making himself understood; and who could pass from 
one to another with the utmost facility! Truly, such 
marvel of tongue and memory could never be evolved or 
cultivated. 

Another prodigy that baffles speculation and reason 
alike to account for her achievements on the basis of mere 
human effort, is Joan of Arc: the peasant girl, who, at 
eighteen, without military knowledge, led the armies of 
France to victories that ultimately freed her country from 
English domination; who foretold events that occurred 
exactly as she predicted; who by simple honesty turned to 
confusion the craft and astuteness of her judges; who bore 
martyrdom at the stake with Christian fortitude — the 
victim of foreign hate and native treachery; who in camp 
and in court as well as in the humble home of her child- 
hood, was noted for generosity, religious fervor, trust in 
Heaven, uprightness, modesty, and purity — Shakespeare 
to the contrary, notwithstanding. His vilification of the 
Maid of Orleans is one of the most striking instances of 
national prejudice leading even a great mind astray. 

If we push our enquiry into the walks of literature, we 
find the dramatist Moliere — born of a dealer in tapestry — 
endowed with a sarcastic wit and laughable humor that 
have no superior for ridiculing shams, hypocrisy, and silly 
pretensions. Or, to turn for opposite qualities : the noble, 
elevated, thought running through the Essay on Man 



John Northrup 85 

and the Universal Prayer — both expressed in the most 
pleasing rhythm of the English language — are due to the 
offspring of a linen draper — Alexander Pope, small, 
sickly, and ill-favored of person. Or again, in a still 
different vein, the most vivid poetical description of 
disaster at sea — the Shipwreck — is the production of 
William Falconer, who served before the mast. 

If we turn to music, how many millions have been 
delighted and thrilled, whether in the rich boxes of the 
opera house, or among the squalid streets of a city where 
only the hand organ is heard, by the soul stirring melodies 
of Verdi, the son of an humble innkeeper! 

As this is a narrative of the sea, it is highly appropriate 
that one of the most renowned of naval heroes — John 
Paul Jones, should receive some mention ; a word upon his 
humble origin and the hard conditions through which he 
worked his way to distinction. He had a positive nature, 
and made friends and foes ; there was not a neutral tint in 
his character to leave any one indifferent. The Scotch 
extol him — he was of their race, the son of a poor gardener. 
The English decry him — he inflicted great injury on their 
shipping both naval and mercantile; but always legiti- 
mately, in fair war, in the service of his adopted country — 
the United States. In early years he spent much time 
boating in the waters near his lowly home, and at twelve 
was apprenticed on board a merchant vessel. Eventually, 
he emigrated and settled in Virginia, and subsequently 
entered the Navy — or rather, helped to found one, in 1775. 
He had no early education, no friends to promote his 
aspirations, no family to point to with genealogical pride — 
in a word, no influence, no backing to further his aims: 
he had to fight his way singly, and he won at every step, 



86 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

through force of character and ability. Even at the age of 
twenty-eight, his views (as expressed in letters to the 
Marine Committee then considering the formation of our 
Navy) could hardly be surpassed at the present time for 
enlightenment of thought and soundness of judgment. 
When but thirty-three, he had won victories on the sea that 
made him famous the world over : not only that, but he had 
shown unusual skill in an entirely different arena — di- 
plomacy: such was his suavity, courtesy, and acuteness of 
mind. He was the favorite of the polite and refined 
French Court, as well as the friend of the rugged, straight- 
forward founders of this republic. He possessed two very 
dissimilar traits — prudence to do the proper thing, and 
quick decision to act at the right moment: he was a 
determined fighter on the quarter-deck, and an affable 
gentleman in the parlor. He made up by diligent study 
the defects of early education. Fame was his even during 
his lifetime, as is shown by the number and variety of 
publications about him: and he was also long made in- 
famous by the British; they tried, and to some extent suc- 
ceeded, in branding him as a ruthless pirate; the punish- 
ment he inflicted on them in open war goaded them to 
blacken his name, but one has only to read Buell's biog- 
raphy to see how malicious was the act of his vanquished 
foe. No: Paul Jones was no pirate; but a man full of 
honor and the finer feelings — a regular officer of the Navy, 
commissioned to fight and destroy the enemies of his 
country, which he did most effectively. He died in Paris, 
and there his body remained for more than a hundred 
years, but now at last it has been brought to rest in the soil 
he helped to free — to be forever an inspiration to the youths 
of his profession (the midshipmen at the Naval Academy) 



John Northrup 87 

to cultivate the commendable qualities he possessed — 
courage, pertinacity, and penetration, combined with 
generosity and kindliness. 

For centuries men groped and pondered upon the sj^stem 
of the universe, and acute minds of every race devised their 
own order: the earth was flat and rested on a turtle; it 
was girded by Ocean from which Phoebus rose every morn 
— soared through the ambient air and made the day — 
sank again at eve into Ocean, to float round by way of the 
north during the night — and once more and forever begin 
its bright career of day as before; the earth was fixed in 
space — a sphere — and the sun circled round it. Finally 
the truth was allowed to dawn upon the human mind: 
Copernicus — a monk, the son of a merchant — saw the 
first glimmer, and to this day we know the results of his 
insight as the Copernican system. Another ray was shed 
upon the offspring of a musician, and Galileo proclaimed 
of the earth, e pur si muove. Next came Keppler, who 
collated the heterogeneous mass of astronomical observa- 
tions that had been made by his predecessors, and out of 
their entanglement evoked the beautiful and simple laws 
of planetary motion: now what parental inheritance had 
Keppler for this task of marvelous patience and deep 
penetration ? His father was a reckless soldier of fortune 
and his mother a woman of violent temper, unmitigated by 
the rudiments of culture — an ill-assorted union: he him- 
self, through premature birth, had a sickly, undeveloped 
physique, racked by ailments, with crippled hands and 
permanently impaired eyes. Truly, the ways of Provi- 
dence are inscrutable ! But the laws of Keppler needed a 
binding force, and Newton — whose father was a farmer — 
appeared and announced the coherency as gravity, and 



88 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

proved its applicability in diverse ways. At last, to estab- 
lish all the preceding on a firm basis — to treat the system 
of the universe on principles that neither change nor 
deceive — to account for its phenomena and whirling 
motions, as well as to supply the methods of calculating its 
future movements, came the renowned mathematician — 
Laplace, the son of a poor French peasant, who has left 
in the Mecanique Celeste one of the greatest monuments 
to the human intellect. And the celebrated translator of 
this work into English, who elucidated it by copious notes 
and developed formulas — the American mathematician, 
Nathaniel Bowditch, was the son of a cooper; and he him- 
self had been apprenticed to a ship chandler in early life. 
Thus, the most intricate of problems — the system of the 
universe — did not find its solution in the brains of those 
who could trace their lineage in the peerage of intellect 
through ages of culture; nor was the solution to confer 
fame on any one man: but, as if to proclaim that the Al- 
mighty favored neither race nor condition of men — that 
if upon particular families or nations He allowed wealth 
and distinctions to accumulate and be transmitted from 
parent to child until they deemed such their birthright, still 
He could at will check this assumption, and raise from 
deepest obscurity and on any soil those who should shine 
with immortal brilliancy. 

And so, during a period of three hundred years — from 
Copernicus to Bowditch — and in Germany, Italy, England 
France, and America, we find names that will be famous 
in every land when those noted for mere wealth and what 
it will buy, shall be effaced from the world's memory. 

Again: in the realm of a force that charms, astonishes, 
and dazzles by its diversity of power and use — electricity, 



John Northrup 89 

we find the prominent names those of men who achieved 
distinction by their own efforts, and not through ancestry 
of unusual talents: Ampere — the son of a merchant — 
stands first among those who treated the subject mathe- 
matically and built on its isolated facts a beautiful structure 
of principles; Faraday — the son of a blacksmith — made 
the exhaustive experiments and researches which exposed 
to view something of the nature of the phenomena, and 
made possible the telephone and dynamo by his discovery 
of the induced current; and Edison, the newsboy, whose 
intelligence and ingenuity put this force to so many uses 
both practical and pleasing, that, had he lived in an age 
less enlightened, he would be considered a necromancer. 

Lastly : when men's passions rose and they heeded neither 
concession nor compromise, but sprang at each other's 
throats with the ferocity of tigers — bent upon disrupting 
the government that did most for the freedom and self- 
respect of man, it was not one full of the wiles of politics 
or skilled in the functions of government that guided the 
ship of state; but a plain man, born in the backwoods of 
the West — Abraham Lincoln, who with tact, patience, good 
sense, and straightforwardness, conducted to a successful 
issue, a war that meant more than a struggle for suprem- 
acy — rather, a struggle by a nation for the survival of its 
self governing principle. And his ablest lieutenants in the 
field and on the sea — Grant, Sherman, Sheridan, Farragut 
— were all men of the same stamp: honest, frank, and true; 
men of strong mind, strong will, decided convictions and 
sound judgment; but who were little known before the 
occasion arose for calling their qualities into action. 

On the other hand, Lee had been the fondled favorite of 
the South previously to the war: and greater than Lee, a 



90 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

military star of not only the first magnitude, but of un- 
equalled grandeur — Napoleon — was not allowed to set in 
splendor amidst the brilliance of kingdoms he raised and 
sought to set crouching at his feet; but, shorn of pomp, on a 
barren islet in mid Atlantic, he dragged out a weary 
captivity. Who will say that it was merely a Wellington 
that thwarted his ambitious dreams ? 

Notwithstanding all this, there is a heredity in man him- 
self as well as in the conditions into which he is born ; and 
the use to which this inheritance will be put — the trend of 
his endeavor, will depend largely upon the training of the 
child during the years when character is malleable, as well 
as upon the surroundings and circumstances in which the 
adult grows to manhood : even after, for the mature person 
never loses all susceptibility to the molding processes of 
environment. 

But let any one rise above the conditions in which he 
was born and bred, and he will find few among the medioc- 
rity he has distanced to acknowledge his worth : rather, they 
will have that other feeling indicated by the question — " Is 
not this the son of Joseph?" Jealousy and proneness to 
depreciate, will actuate them; and a generation or more 
must pass ere time — acting as upon wine — will mellow the 
asperities of early life. 

" Family" is worshipped and commands the respectful 
consideration of the world, and rightly so — in the main; 
for what does blood — lineage — ancestry — mean, if not 
accomplishments, abilities, virtues, refinement of manners; 
qualities of mind and heart that have distinguished many 
individuals of a long line ? 

But on the other hand, there must have been a beginning 
to that line. 



John Northrup 91 

Who, to-day, would not be proud to claim descent from 
Columbus, Franklin or Laplace ? And who of the 
"Families" of ilieir day that heard of their approaching 
fame, but probably spoke of them with some sneering 
allusion to their humble origin ! 

The monarchs of Europe could speak of Napoleon 
only as an upstart, or the Corsican ogre! What had 
they done to look down from such a height of superiority ? 
Nothing, of themselves: they simply formed part of the 
downward slope — perhaps even the low level of some 
towering peak, which, like Napoleon, had brain and 
energy to rise from the common plane to an eminence from 
which the descendants become visible by the reflected light. 

Due respect should be had for the qualities represented 
by the term Family; for they reduce the friction of life and 
tame the harsh traits of man: but, equally, should full 
appreciation be accorded him who by ability and strength 
of character rises from the slough in which nature placed 
him, and attains honorable prominence. 

The giants of fame have risen from obscurity; and by 
these is not meant the captains of industry — far from it. 
Not that commercial ability is to be treated lightly beside 
the ability that shines in science, or law, or literature, or 
statesmanship, or medicine, or military prowess; for in the 
complicated machinery to supply the material needs of 
the world, there is opportunity for the exercise of high 
intelligence ; but with mere money getting and its methods — 
especially in immense amounts — there is often coupled the 
taint of dishonesty; and it is this taint that detracts from 
the distinction that wealth alone confers. 

John Northrup was the founder of his own fortune. 
He was one in the family serial whose numbers appeared 



92 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

almost with the recurring harvests. They did not exactly 
grow to seed, but as the crop was large, each tender plant 
received rather its quota of parental affection than any 
special cultivation to improve its faculties or supply it with 
correct principles. 

The stock was good, however; and what culture failed 
to provide, was made up in young Northrup by traits of 
inheritance — honesty of intent and act, earnestness of 
endeavor, and an equable temper. 

The family lived on a large farm in the rich valley of 
the Mohawk, not far from a thriving town: the land had 
been theirs through many years and yielded a comfortable 
support. 

John went to the district school in early youth, and later 
to an academy in the town. He was studious, and besides 
being thorough in his lessons, had read almost every book 
in the small but select family library. 

The itinerant book agent is not wholly bad : as an offset 
to his tantalizing persistency and wiles, must be placed the 
incidental good of distributing wholesome reading among 
the families of scattered farm-houses — works which, on 
account of their small number, and the inaccessibility of 
the trashy fiction of circulating libraries, are often care- 
fully read. 

And chiefly to the book agent was due the Northrup 
collection of standard works on history, literature, poetry, 
fiction, and biography. 

The boy had a healthy constitution and a companionable 
nature. At sixteen his father died, and to John fell the 
task of taking up the family burden. A few years passed, 
during which their means steadily grew less ; for John was 
not an adept in the ways of selling farm produce, although 



John Northrup 93 

under his management the yield of the land was the same. 
Then the mother died — the only one of mature experience 
in the household. 

It will not avail for the purpose of this story to recount 
the incidents following the bereavement of the growing 
brood. For years the elders cared for the fledglings — 
clothed and fed and educated them until they grew to full 
feather, got strong of wing, and (ambitious for adventure) 
took flight, each in his own direction: the nest of their 
childhood became a memory — the farm was sold, and the 
money equitably divided among all. 

But those years of union were marked by the faithful 
performance of the obligations that had fallen upon the 
elders toward the youngsters — years of simple family 
affection and numerous happy episodes to brighten their 
plain home; and years, too, of anxiety and hard toil: but 
thrift and uprightness characterized their conduct, and the 
family grew in the love of God and esteem of man. 

This breaking up of a family means much more than the 
mere separation of its members — it oft times means a 
severance of affectionate ties, of sympathies, of joint 
pleasures and interests: true, intercourse is maintained by 
letter or periodic visit; but each member becomes more 
and more imbued with the associations into which his new 
road leads, until eventually the old bonds, for want of 
frequent renewal, become less strong and at last end in 
practical disruption. And thus it must be recorded of 
John's brothers and sisters that while in the long years after 
they had grown to maturity, they retained in the inmost 
recesses of their hearts a sincere fondness for each other, 
still it was so much in abeyance that, like the phosphores- 
cent glow from wood long dead, it indicated rather a 



94 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

decadent than a healthy life : in the lapse of years they really 
knew less of each other's true character than of the friends 
they casually made. 

The breaking up of an old homestead is a misfortune not 
only for the individual, but also for the public weal: the 
family continuity being broken, go with it all those ties — 
social, religious, and business — all that network of con- 
nections which have sprung from it as one of the roots of 
the social fabric; and which form an incentive to the grow- 
ing members to live up to their traditions, as well as a 
check upon such of the family as have a tendency to be 
wild. There will be clods in life — light weights in the 
scales by which every public question is determined; and 
only the thinking man will tip the balance in many a case. 
It is the thinking man that proposes the new measure — 
it is the thinking man that decides its acceptance — the 
man with family, home, duties, and responsibilities which 
knit him to society and conduce to regularity of life. 

The Northrup home was extinct — the family continuity 
broken — every tentacle that stretched out into the social 
order was cut and dead — the effort of years wasted — the 
family scattered, and each obliged to begin a foundation 
with almost the simplicity of the pioneer who clears a spot 
in the forest for the log cabin he will build of the felled 
trees. 

Let us trace the career of John : he began life in the 
town near which the farm was located, entered a lawyer's 
office as clerk, and commenced the study of law. No 
connections remained to aid him — every effort had to be 
his own ; but he was capable, and full of buoyancy and hope. 
His share of the money derived from the sale of the farm 
was intrusted to an agent for investment — a nest egg which 



John Northrup 95 

he hoped to add to, rather than call upon to make up 
deficits. He was now approaching thirty. As time went 
on and he became known in the community, he was favor- 
ably received by all — was trusted and considered a man 
of ability. Eventually, he was admitted to the bar and 
began practice; but the remuneration was meagre and the 
daily expenditure had to be carefully adjusted to the 
monthly income — in that staid old town the opportunity 
for making money was very small. 

In almost every community there is a local magnate — 
a man whose name is associated with every undertaking, 
and whose dictum is oracular to his followers. Let a man 
suddenly rise to wealth or political power, and he becomes 
exalted in the eyes of such a following, who look no deeper 
than the mere fact of prominence — who think not of the 
means by which this prominence is attained nor the quali- 
ties that work for it : both the means and the qualities may 
shine like the diamond, or be black and base as the coal : 
it matters not — to the hero worshipper, notoriety is every- 
thing. Like the benign Buddha, to such gentry the hero 
is enthroned amidst an effulgence of gold leaves. 

With the growth of the village, the local magnate multi- 
plies, and when it has reached the size of a town or city, 
he has increased in proportion; so that now it is not an 
individual we hear of, but a galaxy of central figures, each 
with its satellites — the "Families " — the Society of the place. 

Among such in the town in which John Northrup settled, 
was the family of Alexander Frazer, holding its footing 
on a basis that nobody could clearly define: there was, 
however, a kind of vapory halo of antecedents. 

In this family was a daughter who had a heart sprouting 
with all the tendrils of youthful affection, that in the order 



96 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

of nature sought a prop round which to twine; and when 
that offered in the person of John Northrup, it was not long 
ere each discovered that the other satisfied its yearning. 
But Northrup 's present was based on slender means; his 
future had yet to be assured; and his past, O well — he 
had none, in the opinion of the circle in which Miss Frazer 
moved. He simply embodied in himself all that could be 
said of him — a man of ability, character and agreeable 
manners: but these qualities were not sufficient for her 
family and set; and it mattered not at all that both parties 
to the prospective union were personally acceptable to each 
other — the barrier of family lay between : besides, another 
suitor was in the field — a man in no wise agreeable to the 
girl, but entirely so to the father, on the twofold ground of 
belonging to their set and possessing a goodly income; 
and so the daughter was bidden to cut off the advances of 
John Northrup. It was a keen cut, which became the head 
of a festering sore. 

When a deep gash is made in a young pine, its sap oozes 
out and hardens over the wound, and the bark rises in an 
oval hump : the vigor of the tree, however, enables it to grow 
and be strong; but the healed spot remains a blemish on 
its smooth skin and is a sign of the gnarled fibre beneath. 
So, with John Northrup : his sensibilities were wounded — 
his frank ardent affection was dammed up — it soured — 
and throughout life formed a mental ailment exuding 
cynicism. 

It was a wound to his self respect, too; for he correctly 
divined the chief motive that inspired the refusal. 

"Can it be," thought he, "that sensible people place so 
much value on matters of really minor importance ? I am 
simply not in the same category with her family, But 



John Northrup 97 

am I in a lower one — wherein consists the difference ? 

" My parents and forefathers were honorable and 
upright. Large families prevented them accumulating 
wealth, and so we simply didn't have those things that come 
from a condition of ease — familiarity with the conven- 
tionalities of society. But these are the mere clothes that 
should not make the man beside the qualities which I know 
I possess ; and moreover, my manners and conduct (though 
not conventional, I grant,) shock the code of no grade: 
they are those of a nature that, in the main, is considerate 
of the feelings of others. And evidently the Frazer esti- 
mate of me did not differ from this ; for I have always been 
cordially received until this closer union loomed into view. 
The aureole of family and affluence are wanting in me — 
all else I have : money and station Mr. Frazer has, and has 
had ; they came to him like his blue eyes and sandy hair — 
but all else ? that remains to be tested : he has never done 
aught to conquer a place in the world. 

" I have good prospects of ultimate success and of mak- 
ing a happy home ; but no — here, the rearing of the farm- 
er's boy will ever cling to me, and spiteful tongues will 
use it to point a sneer : I will cut away from it all — I will go 
where every breeze of fortune will not raise a fetid breath 
to say I was not always what I am now." 

John Northrup was right. Unless some good reason 
exists to the contrary, the rising man should mount the 
swelling wave and be borne on its crest into a haven where 
his early struggles are unknown : however manly and hon- 
orable these may have been, still they constitute a handi- 
cap in the arena of their origin — an unjust prejudice which 
cannot be reasoned away or combated — which only the 
lapse of time will wear down to harmless size: meanwhile, 



98 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

the mere consciousness of such a treacherous undertow 
robs every stroke of its security and vigor. Only, it must 
be remembered, that other roots will be severed with such 
a tearing up. Man is essentially an associate of his kind, 
and is happy and fulfills the object of his being only in the 
measure in which he mingles with other men — takes an 
active part in the business, pleasures, and management of 
society — a live and alert man in the community, breathing 
its air, buoyant with its success, saddened by its afflictions 
— a sentient member of every phase of its activity. In 
whatever degree he partakes of all this, he forms ties — ties 
of affection and of interest; and these, too, will be ruth- 
lessly plucked up — the wheat goes with the cockle; and, 
as in the vegetable kingdom every transplanting is a check 
to the vitality of the shrub, so with man, every cutting 
away from the community in which he has intimate con- 
nections is a blow at his usefulness; and if such removals 
be frequent, he becomes a nullity — a dead limb on the 
body politic. The citizen of the world may find diversion 
and a kind of freedom in the variety of his wanderings; 
but he is an egoist; and to be of any use in the world, a 
man must be an active citizen of a particular country, 
state, and city, taking pride in its welfare and doing his 
part to promote it — deeply attached to its interests. 

Another consideration also arises: can a man ever sink 
his identity ? Poor Fantine thought to bury her past and 
begin life anew and honorably, for the future of her child ; 
but in the remote hamlet where she sought work, there was 
Madame Victurnien who ferreted out Cosette in the 
obscurity of Montfermeil. And there are Mesdames 
Victurniens at all times in all countries, who are ready to 
pay much more than thirty francs to defeat the efforts of 



John Northrup 99 

the fallen to retrieve their past, and who hypocritically 
credit the expense to the furtherance of morality. 

Northrup had no vile deed to conceal by going to a com- 
munity where he was not known; but on the other hand, 
why should he forever stem the tide that rose with every 
advance he made ? There was no good reason ; so he rent 
the ties of youth and went to the great metropolis. New 
York is a city where you may walk without either notice or 
comment by the multitudes that throng its streets : they are 
alike ignorant and heedless of your past, present, and 
future. You may have committed some shameful act, 
or the deed of shame may have been another's, and you 
merely the innocent victim smarting under its sting; still 
you can pass among the jostling crowd— your step as firm 
and your head as high as any: they neither stop nor turn 
to ask who or what you are. Each is too much occupied 
with his own affairs. There is an unintentional balm — 
even moral agency in this characteristic of the great city: 
it is an opportunity for the dejected and full of heart to 
recover their self-respect, and avoid the ever tingling goad 
of a small town. Nothing rasps more on the sore feelings 
than the consciousness that every passer knows your his- 
tory and comments upon it. 

The world is small, however, and New York only a spot 
upon it, and when least expecting anything untoward, you 
may meet at the turn of a corner the very face you wished 
most to avoid; but that matters less in New York than 
elsewhere : evil report and petty gossip find there a cobble- 
stone pavement for their circulation, rather than the 
smooth roadway of an idling village. New York is such a 
cosmopolitan mingling of race, religion, and condition, 
that by mere business attrition, if through no higher 



100 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

motive, the asperities of intolerance are ground down to at 
least a working basis; and the vicissitudes of fortune are 
so numerous and extreme, that men may rise and men may 
fall, but it causes only a ripple of comment — no lasting 
prejudice as in some provincial community. 

But many currents of life course through the great city 
without mingling, or affecting one another, any more than 
the clear blue of the Gulf Stream mixes with the turbid 
green of the Cold Wall; and it depends greatly on which 
current you launch upon, the kind of eddies and whirls 
you will encounter. 

John Northrup came to New York wholly unacquainted 
with the city and its customs: he brought no letters of 
introduction, knew no one, and had but little money. 

In explanation of this, it must be said that the agent who 
invested his money, acted dishonestly; and when the time 
came for settlement, there was some plausible but wholly 
false tale about disaster having befallen the investment, so 
that Northrup got only a small part of what he had given. 

For the second time he had to begin life anew, only that 
now it was under much greater disadvantage. 

It is a weary, disheartening search, that for employment 
in a large strange city : if you have no one to whom you can 
refer — nobody who knows you — it constitutes a kind of 
stigma which makes success difficult : people look askance, 
even with suspicion, on such a one. 

The trades-union is not the only combination that works 
counter to the employment of those outside the guild: in 
recommendations, as in numbers, there is strength; and 
he who brings them, carries by their aid alone the first line 
in the battle of life; while he who can win without influence 
of any kind is indeed a doughty knight. 



John Northrup 101 

Influence! the word stands for all that is subservient 
in life — its quest is emasculating. There are those in pub- 
lic office who use it to build a sub-structure of benefited 
dependents upon whom they may count in their hour of 
need ; and less do such functionaries enquire into the fitness 
of a subordinate than into his connections — his pull, and 
what advantage will accrue to themselves therefrom. 

Influence! Backing! Support! In the measure in 
which you are known to possess these, will certain men 
flock to your standard — be proud to follow it — be indulgent 
of your caprices. If you are in a position of authority, they 
will obey with alacrity — nay, even anticipate your wishes. 
They are anxious to appear well in your eyes, and your 
every act is lauded as of great significance. You may be 
of mediocre intelligence — it matters not; the backing 
behind you gilds every quality. Remove that backing, and 
with it goes the roseate hue, just as the crimson cloud be- 
comes a leaden pall when the setting sun no longer reflects 
his light upon it. Woe betide the man without backing 
whom circumstances may have placed in a position of 
responsibility, where he has to depend largely upon the 
efforts of others for carrying on his office! Worse still, 
if added to this he has incurred the displeasure of those 
above him: it were better that he had never undertaken 
the office. 

His character may be excellent, ability superior, and 
judgment sound ; but the subordinates find nothing in these 
to impress them : when his position is gone, he can be noth- 
ing to them, and so their service is grudgingly given, and 
only to such extent as will save appearances. If not active 
in measures to thwart his success, their indifference is in 
itself a means to that end. 



102 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

For weeks Northrup searched the city for means of mak- 
ing a living, but every night he returned to his little room, 
weary and without success. Each day he made a further 
reduction in his aspirations — would accept humbler and 
less remunerative employment; but still the quest went on. 
His clothes became threadbare and glossy, and his appear- 
ance wan and thin; sleep and food did not renew each day's 
waste. Food ? He could give but little to the craving 
maw; and sleep? One does not slumber with an empty 
stomach, and a nervous mind hotly discussing a dire 
situation. 

No: he suffered now, but that would pass. He would 
eventually get something to do and acquire comforts. 

Meantime he had to endure the cheapest of lodgings, 
and not only the plainest, but most scanty of food ; for his 
means were dwindling, and every cent had to procure its 
utmost: add to this the daily rebuff to his enquiry for 
employment — and his condition was indeed pitiable. 

Months passed, and all he could get was a precarious 
living by odd jobs that paid but little: they were the first 
rent in the clouds, however, through which a vista opened 
that led to steady employment and a fair salary. 

In a few years the prospect so brightened that he opened 
a law office: clients came, but they were chiefly of the 
criminal class, and this was not what he wanted. The 
courts of a large city for the trial of such malefactors are 
not calculated to inspire respect for mankind: quite the 
contrary — the moral ailments there exposed are like the 
physical sores in a hospital. 

Northrup himself had a tender wound in his feelings, and 
shrunk at the prospect of having it opened afresh by the 
plaint of every new client: it would result in turning his 



John Northrttp 103 

whole nature awry — drying up all frankness, sincerity, and 
sympathy — making him feel that only vice existed — sus- 
picious of every human act. It was a tendency he fought 
against for ten years while building up a civil practice and 
letting the criminal lapse. At length the day came when 
he tried his last case of this kind, and entered solely on the 
occupation that was both congenial and remunerative. 

In ten years more he accumulated a fortune; and now 
he began to make periodic trips for his health, enjoyment, 
and variety of scene. In this way he visited many States 
of the Union, travelled in different countries of Europe, 
and extended one voyage to India, China, and Japan, thus 
becoming familiar with the ways — and also the wiles, of the 
world at large. His law practice, even at its best, forced 
into view many an instance of these wiles: the juror who 
had been fixed ; the plaintiff who brought suit on fraudulent 
injuries; the corporation which defended its case with 
perjured testimony; and the judge who had a leaning 
toward favorites in distributing referee cases — all, moral 
ulcers. 

He would leave it for a while — take a trip by sea — 
breathe the salty air of ocean, and mingle in the simple life 
of the sailor. A client told him of the unusual route of the 
Wenonah: he engaged passage at once, left New York by 
steamer for Colon, crossed the Isthmus by rail, and took 
a coast steamer at Panama to join the ship at Callao. 
Alas for cherished hopes! — he had not been on the Wen- 
onah a week when his practiced eye discovered among 
the guileless sailors the most despicable of all traits — 
disloyalty to a superior spread in full leaf and thorn 
throughout the ship. 

When Mr. Northrup entered on this voyage, he was more 



104 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

than fifty years of age — in the prime of manhood : he was 
of medium height, and his figure and movements con- 
veyed the idea of strength of mind and strength of body. 
He had the habit of directing his faculties toward the 
comprehension of any subject that interested him; and as 
complementary to it, a practice of looking at matters from 
different points of view before forming an opinion. He 
had an established reputation and independent means — 
a typical solid man of the community; who voted for the 
candidate or with a party, only after close scrutiny of both. 
He was decidedly one who thought for himself and ac- 
cepted ready-made opinions from no one; and withal, 
his endeavor was to make the best of every situation — 
to give and take as he found life; to be genial, tactful, 
generous, and companionable. 

He was a most agreeable addition to the little band on 
the Wenonah; and eventually when need arose for a 
knight errant to poise his lance, we shall find that he did 
it with skill and courage. 



CHAPTER VII 

Traits of Sailor Character 

The government of a ship-of-war, whatever the flag at 
her peak — whether the blue diagonals of Russian absolu- 
tism, the black cross and eagles of German imperialism, 
or the red-white-and-blue of American and French 
republicanism — is always a constitutional monarchy, with 
more or less of the spirit of autocracy actuating the man in 
command ; and the government of a merchant vessel is not 
much different in essential features. 

For the guidance and control of him who commands 
at sea, special laws are enacted by the legislative body of 
his country; these are supplemented, for the military 
branch, by Regulations covering almost every possible 
contingency; and for the mercantile marine, by a variety 
of Rules. 

But there is a more potent power than either law or rule 
— the Custom, of the Service: though not defined by words 
nor printed in statute books, it is more immutable than 
either; for it is the product of evolution through many 
years — a course of action in accord with the inherent 
fitness of things; and no man can disregard it with im- 
punity. Like the sap flowing through root, trunk, and 
branch of a tree, it permeates every situation of nautical 
life, giving it vigor and stability: it is woven into the fibre 
of the sailor; and the careful observance of it will, in the 
main, make of him a contented man and good worker; 

105 



106 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

but more than all, it will tend to deprive him of that pro- 
lific source of disturbance — a grievance. 

Let no one scoff at, or think lightly of, a sailor's 
grievance; for be it great or small, a grievance is gen- 
erally born of injustice. 

Injustice! the word maddens — it makes the blood hot 
and the heart thump: it blanches the face, parches the 
lips, and one cannot speak — the words stumble on each 
other. The person who maliciously plans and executes 
a grievous injustice on another, has in him much of the 
demon : he has his day now — he can gloat over wrecking a 
human life ; but there is a Heaven, there is a Hell, and there 
is a God; and as it is written: "Be not deceived, God is 
not mocked; for what a man soweth, that shall he reap 
also" — this unjust man shall one day stand before that 
just God, and be judged. 

Laws, 'Regulations, and Customs are the safeguards of 
the sailor — the fly-wheels to unify erratic motions of the 
human machine at sea ; but they cannot prevent grit getting 
into the parts, causing jars, hot journals, even stoppage 
of the whole mechanism: whence courts-martial, consular 
enquiries, and other means of righting sea-faring wrongs. 

Aside from all this, there is much of paternalism in the 
government of a ship. Jack is careless of himself and his 
belongings. If soaked to the skin in a storm, he will 
steam in the clinging shirt — run the risk of a hacking 
cough or pneumonia, rather than change his clothing: he 
must be sent below to shift — he takes pleasure in needless 
exposure, just like a boy. In money matters he is pro- 
verbially at the mercy of any one he deals with, and in- 
variably gets the worst of the bargain — a bauble for hard 
earned pay. 



Traits of Sailor Character 107 

Even in his good impulses, the sailor is often deceived: 
let some one come on board with a harrowing tale of want 
(fictitious as it often is), and Jack will never enquire into 
its merits, but consent to have the amount he gives, charged 
to his account. 

These collections on board ship are a vicious method 
of raising money. The list is passed round, and bold is 
the man who would say : " I will give nothing. " He is in a 
community that stigmatizes such refusal as mean; and few 
can live every day on the most intimate terms with those 
who entertain that opinion. Those who give are not 
always actuated by charity — their mite hardly merits 
record on the page where the worm may not gnaw it : they 
often give because some one else gives, or several give — 
they follow the bell-wether; they have not the moral 
courage to say no, or ask if the object be a worthy one. 
Their convictions — if they think at all — may be opposed 
to their act; but they are intimidated: there is no more 
prolific breeder of moral cowardice than unthinking 
communities; and of these, the ship's company is among 
the worst. 

Another trait of the sailor that requires a watching eye — 
he will barter his clothes for a drink of whiskey; and the 
profit made in the trade would enrich any dealer if he had 
enough of it. And again: his cleanliness of clothes and 
person becomes habitual only by the daily inspection and 
periodic caution to remedy some slip or omission — just as 
with growing youth in the home. 

Indeed, the ship's company is much like a family; and 
the head of either who should fail to direct, watch over, 
and care for those under his control in the manner that his 
superior knowledge, experience, and capacity enable him 



108 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

to do, is clearly wanting in one of the essential duties of his 
position. 

But the father of a family has advantages for rearing his 
offspring that the Captain of a ship has not for intelli- 
gently commanding his crew. The father meets his 
children at table, sometimes romps and plays with them, 
and is ever answering their little questions — all, means to 
make him familiar with their temperament, wants, and 
tendencies; and he can shape his own action toward each 
according to its idiosyncrasies — avoid even the suggestion 
of a prod toward the sensitive and high spirited, while 
urging the slow and indolent to exertion. But the Custom 
of the Service restrains the commanding officer from min- 
gling with his subordinates : like a grandee of Spain, he is 
hedged round by customs which limit his knowledge to 
observation from the quarter deck and inference from 
what he sees. It were beneath his position — undignified, 
to have closer intercourse ! 

In days of yore, the oriental potentate secluded himself 
from public gaze in order to inspire his people with that 
awe which accompanies the invisible: and so must the 
captain of a ship maintain a strict reserve that will impress 
those he commands. Even more: the barbaric ruler 
trapped himself out in showy ornaments, practiced pose 
and deliberation of speech and manner, and affected a 
general pomposity of bearing — all to increase the rever- 
ence of his subjects for both his person and his behests: 
and something akin to this is not wanting in the com- 
mander at sea, to give greater weight to his authority. 
True, the means he employs may be wholly different; but 
the object to be attained is the same. Furthermore, he 
has to live somewhat the life of a recluse — consulting no 



Traits of Sailor Character 109 

one as to his actions — open to no sympathy in disaster — 
inviting no congratulations in success: to do so would be 
a sign of weakness ; and he must ever be the strong man — 
the one to command in all cases — stolid as a statue under 
trying circumstances — ready in every crisis with the line 
of action to be carried out. To the extent he is all this — 
to that extent will he have the confidence and obedience 
of his crew: his every move is open to their scrutiny — 
they are quick to perceive and competent to judge; and 
woe betide him if his seamanship be at fault, or his decision 
lagging. The pharmacist is not more quick to detect a 
mistake in the physician's prescription, than is the common 
sailor to see bungling in the management of a ship. 

And yet the Captain must govern and wield this com- 
munity so that he can depend upon it in the hour of need, 
while not contravening those traits that run like veins 
through all humanity: but what, in reality, does he know 
of his crew — of the temperaments and prejudices of 
individual men ? Little more than what his middle man — 
the Mate — chooses to tell him ! And if, instead of convey- 
ing the requisite information honestly, he gives it the turn 
of a vicious tongue, intent upon misrepresenting to further 
his own scheme, what a situation that Captain is in! 

The Mate has intimate relations with the crew: he has 
the means of knowing every man to the core, and if he is 
loyal and truthful, he can enable the Captain to deal 
intelligently and fairly with all. But if he be deceitful and 
devoid of principle, it does not need a vivid imagination to 
picture the mischief he can create — discontent among the 
crew, false views in the Captain, hostility and ill-will in 
both. Such a mate is the analogue of the unjust man, 
and he too will eventually reap as he has sown. 



110 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

The Captain of the Wenonah found what every man 
finds who tries to overcome laxity and negligence in a 
situation to which he falls heir — antagonism and animosity : 
knowing this, his thought was how to deal with it; firmly, 
of course — with tenacity to the line of action he should 
lay down, but also with justice and tact. 

Although Colburn had been in command only a few 
weeks, still we have seen that he obtained some insight 
into the condition of affairs ; and we have also seen the first 
step he took toward dealing with it. He was a man who 
never avoided work or responsibility; but was painstaking 
in the performance of every duty, and thought out his 
course in regard to it. 

Some men rise from the forecastle to the quarter-deck, 
and all their professional knowledge is acquired in much 
the same way that the trained dog gets his little tricks — 
by practise: others there are who supplement experience 
by thought and study; and to this class Colburn belonged. 
That such a man could act a secondary part to his First 
Mate — as old Rowley did — was impossible. He was 
entirely willing to let the Mate have the fullest freedom 
in his own sphere, but Hawse was not content with this: 
his qualities were not those of a submissive subordinate, 
but of a domineering master; hence the clash — a sub- 
current more powerful than any foaming wave: on the 
part of the Captain, to exercise what was his right — 
command; on the part of the Mate, to keep what he got 
by craft — independent action. 

Colburn had some original ideas for the improvement 
of the common sailor: he did not see, for instance, why, 
by persistent effort, the seaman should not be transformed 
from the reckless drunkard he often was, into a self 



Traits of Sailor Character 111 

respecting man — full of dash and boldness, if you will, 
as befitting his occupation; but still imbued with feelings 
of manliness. He wanted to make him hang his head in 
shame for the besotted brawl which stranded him in some 
filthy gutter, rather than take pride in recounting the 
degradation to others whose ambition it was to imitate him. 

The sailor's proverbial growl was harmless, but he 
wanted him to meet hardship in a manly way, and not be 
eternally spreading discontent among the younger men by 
harping on his troubles. The sailor's was a life that 
brought out all the hardy, self-reliant qualities in man ; and 
he wanted these to stand forth in bold relief, clear of the 
slime of the brothel and saloon. The dream was a noble 
one, and he intended contributing his mite toward its 
realization. It was for this that he put the crew in uniform 
instead of letting them remain the piratical looking rabble 
they were on first coming aboard. The sailor often takes 
delight in vagabond clothes: a slouch hat, broken and 
tilted at any angle over his head; trousers with one leg 
long and baggy over his foot, and the other tucked awry 
into his boot top; no neckerchief; and colors of every hue — 
this is the rig in which he revels : it is a sop to his freedom 
of action. 

But looseness of dress is near kin to looseness of man- 
ners — to looseness of conduct and morals — to lapses in 
respect for others as well as for oneself. 

It was to insert a second round in the ladder of ascent, 
that Colburn had the daily inspection of the crew, as al- 
ready related; and it was to add higher steps still that, as 
days progressed, he introduced other measures for their 
improvement. 

There is an innate stand-off on the part of the officers 



112 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

and men toward a new commanding officer. If the faults 
of the old one be not too deeply rooted, they are soon torn 
out of memory, and only his good qualities remembered; 
and these are soon glorified by a periodic sigh for the good 
old times of the former captain: it is the tribute humanity 
pays to a condition to which it has become accustomed — 
the facility of intercourse brought about by daily contact, 
whereby the roughest parts are worn away and there is no 
longer the continual jar and friction as at first. We are 
much more disposed to run in ruts — to be upholders of 
the established order, whatever phase of activity that order 
takes, than those will admit who are forever extolling the 
variations of man's endeavor. 

The good old times have been recurring in unbroken 
series ever since the world began: rascals there have been 
without number, yet how few are so stigmatized in their 
epitaphs! And heroes always shine with virtues and 
abilities undimmed by the defects we know common to all 
men. Some may have had greater talents and more 
virtues than others, but they were made of the same clay 
as ourselves and streaked with the same weakness. No, 
the bad is generally forgotten, and the good alone remains. 
In the main, this is beneficial to man; but in particular 
cases it works a hardship — an unjust prejudice toward the 
new order. 

No one can doubt that in performing those duties that 
were properly his, and in introducing measures for the 
moral and physical improvement of his crew, Captain Col- 
burn did what any conscientious and intelligent man would 
do: yet his action created a deep feeling of discontent in 
the ship — a rich mine for the Mate to work; and he worked 
it with such skill and assiduity that by the time the ship 



Traits of Sailor Character 113 

reached Callao, there was a cauldron of animosity seeth- 
ing beneath the commanding officer. Only its sputterings, 
however, came to his view — the untidiness of the crew's 
quarters, the slovenliness of their dress, the shaggy hair and 
face full of short stubble : all these appeared ; but the Cap- 
tain never saw the sneer — the derisive gesture with which 
his orders were conveyed to the men, and which bred more 
contempt than open ridicule. 

Not that outspoken ridicule was wanting either. 

Those two boon companions, Hawse and Ruggles, were 
forever on the to 'gallant forecastle — walking, smoking, 
talking; their voices raised so as to be heard by the men 
within reach. Their conversation was mostly about the 
Captain, but neither by name nor title did they ever 
mention him — they were far too cunning to lapse into any 
such error: they resorted to what is frequent on board ship 
— they gave him a nickname. 

Now, Colburn had no personal attribute of a ludicrous 
nature, and so they were in despair for an epithet, when the 
apparently endearing word "Collie" shot across their 
minds : instantly, they seized upon it, and ever after ranged 
through every canine breed to gratify their spleen. The 
drift of the conversation clearly indicated who was meant, 
and whether one species of dog or another was named, the 
Captain was always the individual stigmatized. 

One should think that grown men, engaged in the hard 
struggle with wind and wave, would be above such puerili- 
ties ; but no : there are childish veins in those who follow the 
sea that find a counterpart only among school boys — and 
the giving of nicknames is one of these. 

The nickname is the meanest of all weapons: the 
stealthy stiletto-stab is open warfare beside it. The 



114 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

attack by nickname cannot be parried, nor met by counter 
thrust: the viper that concocts it, has fastened the laugh 
on his victim — made him ridiculous — humiliated him in 
the eyes of his companions — stung him in his dignity — 
assailed his self-respect — and blighted his reputation; 
and the jeering laugh will resound with every repetition of 
the contemptuous epithet, even though the one who utters 
it has a mind as vacuous as a parrot. 

Closely allied to the nickname habit — equally despic- 
able, and also the product of herding human beings to- 
gether — are two other practises: one, that of the many to 
run some member of the community; and the other, that 
of a small minority to lord it over the others. This turbu- 
lent, aggressive minority is like the single bull-dog that 
has only to snarl, to keep a whole pack of spaniels in sub- 
jection. And while the snarling bull-dog is not an ex- 
ample to be recommended, still a show of teeth is often 
a good check to the mere bully — he is essentially a coward. 

If a person is by nature timid and sensitive, it is especially 
incumbent on him to spur himself to the contest for his 
rights and self-respect — to be morally courageous: it is 
in the struggle of the faculties that character is developed 
and formed — not in their somnolent ease. 

In every ship's company there is somebody who can be 
run — made a butt of — a laughing stock : of such a weakling, 
it can only be said that he deserves pity and compassion; 
but he is scarcely more weak than those who find amuse- 
ment in his foibles. 

But again: the object of attack may be a man of fine 
fibre; yet, because of reserve, or some other trait that stirs 
up the antagonism of the bully (who will bluster on any 
irritant to his bile), he is covertly assailed by this bully and 



Traits of Sailor Character 115 

his followers — a gang ever ready to echo his gibes and 
ribaldries. Petty annoyances from such a source are hard 
to meet and resent; they are intangible; you strike at them 
and meet nothing — they are the yelps of lap-dogs at a 
chained mastiff. And yet they worry — just as in the 
fable, the stings of the gad-fly tortured the noble lion. 

The intimate relations aboard ship, whether in fore- 
castle or wardroom, bring out all the gad-fly spirit in man: 
it tortures and maddens the sensitive person who has 
to live in its midst : he cannot get away from it — he has to 
eat with it — sleep beside it — work jointly with it — and have 
it in view even during relaxation. It is his worm that 
dieth not, and his fire that is not extinguished. 



CHAPTER VIII 

"Rum Done It!" 

Who hath woe? Whose father hath woe? 
Who hath contentions ? Who falls into pits ? 
Who hath wounds without cause ? Who hath 
redness of eyes ? Surely they that pass their time 
in wine, and study to drink off their cups. Look 
not upon the wine when it is yellow, when the col- 
or thereof shineth in the glass: it goeth in pleas- 
antly; but in the end, it will bite like a snake, and 
will spread abroad poison like a basilisk. — Old 
Testament. 
Soon after the Wenonah came to anchor at Callao, Mr. 
Northrup went on board and introduced himself to the Cap- 
tain : he, in turn, introduced him to the passengers, showed 
him his stateroom, and as a means of breaking the ice that 
naturally surrounds strangers, and opening the flow of 
cordiality that it was desirable to establish, ordered wine 
and cigars to be brought into the cabin. These aids to 
good feeling and companionship had the desired effect, and 
before an hour elapsed, the skirmish line of chit-chat gave 
to each an inkling of the other's personality: all the old 
party were openhearted toward the new comer, and he 
was toward them. Thus, the outworks of mutual accept- 
ability being carried, the Captain announced that for a 
week or so (while discharging cargo and taking on more, 
as well as refitting the ship), she would not be very habit- 

116 



"Rum Done It!" 117 1 

able; and he advised that the passengers take up their 
abode ashore and enjoy themselves in trips to surrounding 
places of interest: when they came on board again, they 
would find everything settled and the ship clean and 
newly painted. 

The suggestion pleased them — trunks were quickly 
packed, and in the afternoon all moved to Lima. 

The Captain being now alone with his command, set 
about establishing port routine; and in order that all 
should know what was to be done, he first sent for the 
mates and informed them that the Second and Third 
Mates should take alternate days on duty from the time of 
calling all hands in the morning until pipe down at night; 
and that the First Mate was to exercise supervision at all 
times: their going ashore for enjoyment could be done 
whenever the work allowed it. He then directed Mr. 
Hawse to have the crew sent aft on the quarter-deck. 

When there, he said : " I have called you aft to let you 
know the work to be done in this port. Some cargo will 
be discharged and more taken on. When that is done, we 
shall fill the bunkers, set up rigging, tar down, and paint 
ship. All this will take some days, and I intend to give 
you a run on shore during that time. A dozen of you will 
be allowed to go every evening at sunset, to stay until 
seven the following morning. If we are here two Sundays, 
as seems likely, each watch in turn can have from Satur- 
day noon until Monday morning ashore. You can wear 
either uniform or plain clothes, as you please. You will be 
set ashore in one of the ship's boats, and it will be sent for 
you, which will save your paying for shore boats. I expect 
you to come off on time, sober, and fit for work. If you 
fail in this, or behave badly, I shall keep those that do so, 



118 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

on board. You will get a part of your pay, and I want 
you to act sensibly. Some of you will drink to some ex- 
tent, I suppose; but I hope none will get drunk: a glass or 
two affords all the light feeling that is enjoyable; but to get 
drunk and dirty and lie in the gutter, or be arrested and 
put in jail, or get into a fight with other sailors — that is 
only to let the animal in you get control. It is degrading, 
and there is no pleasure in it. I want to break up that 
practice. If you act like men, I will treat you as men — 
giving the liberty and money I have stated. That is all. 
Pipe down, Mr. Hawse." The Mate repeated the order 
to the Boatswain, and the men went forward — buoyant 
with the expectation of a good time. 

They gathered around a hatch where tackles were to be 
rigged for handling cargo: the First Mate and Snively 
(the Third Mate) came immediately to direct the work; 
and while it was going on, they kept up a running conversa- 
tion which might be summarized as follows: 

The First Mate said: "Well Snively, what are you 
going to do to-morrow with your day off?" 

"O, I guess I'll have a bang up time — get drunk, I 
suppose; haven't had a run, you know, for some weeks, 
Mr. Hawse." 

" What ! go by the board so soon after the lecture you 
just heard!" 

"Yes, he aint going to get me to join any Young Men's 
Christian Association ' ' — 

"Nor make a saint of you for the Roman Calendar — 
eh?" interrupted Hawse, chuckling. 

"No, nor that neither: I want no new f angled ideas — 
good old way is good enough for me." 

"I don't know but you're right, Snively. When I was 



"Rum Done It!" 119 

before the mast, we used get our shore liberty by watches — 
forty-eight hours each watch — a lot of us go together — 
get horses or donkeys — ride like hell round town — be 
taken up by the police ; that is, they tried to do it, but often 
we were too many for them — had a fight — some of us were 
nabbed and put in jail — more licked the police — then at 
night we all got roaring drunk and slept it off in a — : 
the next day we straggled aboard with sore heads, teeth 
knocked out, and black eyes; but we had a bully time! 

"Telling of it afterwards gave us pleasure for many 
weeks. Those were the good old times! No uniform 
then! I remember one jollification in Rio years ago: the 
little dago policemen couldn't handle us at all; we got into 
a saloon and smashed the whole outfit — chairs, tables, 
decanters, glasses — but no bottles, you bet; we emptied 
them down our throats : when we had enough, we called the 
landlord in and asked him the damages; he said some mil- 
lions of milreis — I forget how many — but we all chipped 
in and paid him: he was happy, and we had a good time. 
But, really, you know, Snively, that is degrading — it lets 
loose the animal in us." 

" Yes: well, I guess I want to take the halter off mine for 
a while and let him loose," replied the Snively; and if 
many others present did not say the same, they none the 
less thought it. Such were the brutal appetites Colburn 
hoped to reform ! 

While listening to the Captain, there was a momentary 
ascendency of their better instincts; but the shreds of talk 
between the Mates put this quickly to flight, and made 
them eager for the free rein and downward course. 

That evening a dozen of them cleaned up and dressed 
for liberty, and — strange to relate! all chose to go in 



120 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

uniform: when they lined up on the quarter-deck to be 
inspected (which, by the way, they seemed in no wise loth 
to do — they looked so well), no party from the Adirondack 
lying ahead of them could have presented a neater appear- 
ance. They looked trim and stalwart, and with their cap 
ribbons bearing the name Wenonah in gilt letters, they 
might readily pass for men o' warsmen: they felt proud of 
both ship and uniform. 

Such is the sailor — pleased with what strikes his fancy, 
and as whimsical as the variable airs that often baffle his 
efforts to make a port! No reasoning — no tenacity to any 
line of conduct; but all childlike, momentary gratification. 
Their ship's boat looked well, too; and as it pulled in 
toward the landing, a boat from the Adirondack, full of 
liberty men, passed them, and they felt they lost nothing 
by comparison of either boat or men. 

The Adirondack had been in port a long time — her 
crew had had daily liberty, and so the delights of shore had 
become familiar — even palled on them : besides, they were 
accustomed to amusement and different duties and em- 
ployment on board; and the natural craving for variety 
being thus satisfied, they were, for the most part, dis- 
posed to take their liberty easily and enjoy it rationally. 

The Wenonah's crew, on the other hand, had been 
cooped up for weeks — going daily through the same routine 
— seeing only the same few faces — hearing only the same 
voices — listening to much the same orders : it was monot- 
ony in the extreme compared with life on the war ship — 
the check rein and narrow stall, without ever an open field 
for free curvetting; and is it any wonder that when they 
jumped ashore they tore off bit and bridle and made a wild 
dash for the grog shop, the billiard room, and the concert 



"Rum Done It!" 121 

hall ? — everything that afforded what they could not get 
on board. Yes, the animal was loose, and a wild night he 
made of it ! 

Let those who can alternate enjoyment with labor at 
will — satisfy each craving in its turn, experience what the 
sailor does on a long tedious passage — weary days of hard 
work and deprivation, with no respite; but work, work, 
work, and no adequate pleasure; and he will find that the 
desire for this pleasure will eventually reach such head, that 
when the opportunity offers, it will burst and overflow all 
ordinary bounds. 

Jack's explosion is rough, like the blowing out of a man- 
hole plate by accumulated gas; while the expansion of a 
refined nature may be gradual, like the effervescence of 
champagne : but both are due to the same cause — restriction 
of natural tendencies — unequal distribution of work and 
play; and neither of these can be long continued by itself 
without detriment to the individual. This is not said in 
excuse of the sailor's extravagance, but in explanation of 
it; and also as a hint to those who have him in hand, and 
who may not realize the necessity of affording vent for his 
natural longings, to the extent the conditions will allow. 
Alternation, variety, change — work and amusement ra- 
tionally mingled — these are potent means for keeping a 
ship's company happy. 

Morning came, and with it the boat at seven o'clock for 
the men: all but two were there, and went aboard. The 
Mate on duty had them form a line on the quarter-deck 
for inspection, but what a wabbly line it was! — bowing 
forward, falling backward, bending sideways: a dirty line — 
some with caps gone; others without neckerchiefs; many 
blear-eyed and drowsy; and all covered with the signs of a 



122 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

debauch. It was a pitiable contrast with the same line 
the evening before ! The Captain viewed it sadly from the 
break of the poop, but was not much disappointed: he 
knew the sailor's cravings, temptations, and want of 
restraint; so he simply told the Mate to let the men go 
forward and wash themselves and get breakfast, ready for 
work. Toward noon, the two absentees were brought 
aboard by a policeman: they had been in jail all night, 
after a row in which their uniforms had disappeared and 
been replaced by a dirty tattered garb. 

All day the work of discharging cargo went on — but 
slowly : some of the liberty men lay down and could not be 
roused — it was the stupor that generally follows a carousal ; 
others manned the tackles, and more carried packages; 
but all with such want of grip that they were of little use: 
their legs were unsteady, their hands could not hold, and 
with drooping head and half closed eyes, they stumbled 
about — objects of gibes and laughter for the rest of the 
crew. 

Toward evening, the First Mate asked the Captain if he 
should let a second batch go ashore. 

"Yes," was the answer: "we will try them all in turn; 
no man shall have the grievance of being kept on board 
because of another's bad behavior; each will be dealt with 
according to his own conduct. I think when this first run 
is over, we shall have had the worst of the drinking. Those 
two men that were in jail can not go with their party when 
it goes again; and in fact I will go over the list of each 
night's liberty with you, and we will determine from their 
conduct ashore, their promptness in coming off, and their 
work aboard, who can go, after all have had their turn." 

The second party went and came — with much the same 



"Rum Done It!" 123 

result as with the first party; only that four overstayed of 
their own free will until late in the afternoon: the third 
party had similar delinquencies in both drunkenness and 
overstaying: while the fourth and last party, whether 
because of the cumulative bad example of those preceding, 
or of the greater delay in getting liberty, fell entirely into the 
pitfalls of the sailor. Not half of them came off on time, 
some were lodged in jail for brutal assaults on people 
ashore, and all were soaked with vile rum. 

A week passed: the men became sore-heads, and acted 
so badly that now only about a third of them had the 
privilege of evening liberty. 

Work on the cargo lagged, both from the sulkiness of the 
men and the mafiana trait of the people ashore in supply- 
ing merchandise. What the Captain expected to have 
done in four days was still unfinished at the end of a week. 
By this time, the passengers had exhausted the marvels of 
the Oroya Road, had seen a bull fight, and had visited 
every place of interest in Lima and its vicinity: they re- 
turned, and finding everything topsy-turvy, fell into ill- 
humor, thinking the condition due to the Captain — that 
he was either too sanguine in promise or inefficient in per- 
formance. 

Among the crew the surly slowness became rank: the 
disgruntled were in the large majority, arid set the pace at 
which work should lag. It mattered not that it was their 
own misconduct that deprived them of shore liberty: they 
were neither reasonable nor reasoning beings to take this 
view of it — they thought only of the way it affected them; 
and they would wreak their anger on the Captain by delay- 
ing the work. This is a favorite and frequent method 
with Jack for venting his spleen : it is a boat that is walked 



124 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

up with the measured tread of a funeral march, instead of 
being run up; or an anchor that holds forever against the 
simulated tugs of all hands; or a topsail that thrashes to 
splitting before it is taken in ; or any other means of squar- 
ing yards with the old man. 

And many an officer gratifies his resentment in much 
the same way: human nature is alike in both, only that 
the officer has time to brood, and intelligence to concoct. 
His methods are less brutal than those of the common 
sailor, but not less effective or irritating: he will answer 
Aye, aye, sir, to the order; but his ingenuity is at work 
devising means to thwart or evade it — of sailing as close 
to the wind as he can without being caught aback — of 
being insubordinate just short of being disobedient. 

And so — whether from forecastle or wardroom, one 
phase of exasperation follows another until the com- 
manding officer is forced to drastic measures; and then 
the offenders launch into fine frenzy over his harshness 
and injustice. It is a sad spectacle — this want of reason 
in man! The real offender for much that is laid to the 
Captain, is he who creates the situation that requires 
severe action: it is not always the one who commits the 
overt act that is the culprit — many a time it is he who 
pursues the covert course — the cunning serpent whose 
craft is hidden. 

All the cargo they could get, was now stowed; but 
another lot was to be ready in a few days, and the Captain 
decided to employ this time in coaling and refitting ship. 

The number of men whose behavior entitled them to 
liberty was reduced to ten, so the experiment was made of 
again allowing some of the early delinquents another trial : 
they went, and returned nearly on time and also in better 



"Rum Done It!" 125 

condition than at first; but whether because the pace was 
too fast, or their money could not keep it up, or from a 
latent sense of decency, could not be determined. 

A new matter now arose to worry the Captain: for the 
past few days he had noticed signs of drink on several men 
who had been kept aboard on account of misconduct; and 
it was evident that liquor was smuggled among them. 
They were not exactly drunk, but in that limp condition 
which renders one incapable of work. The Second and 
Third Mates, too, bore evidence of their days off — puffed, 
blotched faces; watery eyes; and a tired, listless, yawning 
manner. The First Mate either did not drink at all, or 
had such capacity for it, that it made no inroads upon him : 
his inclination was gambling, and every evening he went 
ashore and spent until the small hours of morning over 
poker with others of his ilk: it is needless to say that his 
energy during the day was far from what it should be. 
The Captain's failure to instil any decency into the men 
regarding liberty and liquor, as well as the general apathy 
on their part, were savoury morsels to the Mate: he and 
Sam Ruggles had many a coarse jest and laugh over the 
hell of a time the Captain was having in improving the 
sailor. 

Finally, a climax was reached the second day of coal- 
ing ship: a barge full came alongside, and from it an 
innocent looking small keg or breaker (such as is used for 
carrying water in boats) was passed on board : it was done 
openly, as if for refilling at the scuttle-butt; but the word 
soon spread that it contained rum! Instantly, men 
gathered from every quarter, like flies round a molasses 
cask: in, out of the lighter — up, from the bunkers — down, 
from aloft — from the chains and various jobs about deck; 



126 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

and they drank and drank and got boozy and hilarious. 

At this stage of the orgie, the First Mate and little 
Snively made but faint efforts — rather, simulated efforts, 
to check the men; and this only encouraged them the more. 
Greater excesses soon followed: they shouted — they 
hooted at the Mates — they got more drunk. 

Then one man bawled out, " Let's have the belaying- 
pin chorus!" when each went to the rail, threw down the 
rigging and took out one of the heavy iron pins. Then 
they dropped on deck around the coal pile, and each took 
a big lump of it in one hand and his belaying pin in the 
other. A ribald song was started in grating discord, each 
joining in according to his degree of drunkenness, and 
keeping a kind of rat-tat time by beating the deck with his 
pin: at the end of every verse, they made an effort to hurl 
their lumps of coal together at some object on deck. 

Hawse and Snively were alarmed — the animal was not 
only loose but raging: the uproar could be heard all over 
the harbor, and men were seen watching the Wenonah 
from the deck of every ship about her. 

The Captain heard it afar off — he had been ashore to see 
the agent about more cargo, and was returning: he 
ordered the men to pull hard, which they did, for they were 
four of the decent few in the ship's company; and in a short 
time he was alongside : he ran up the ladder and as he 
stepped over the gangway, a shower of coal shot in that 
direction, for it was the finale of the song. He took one 
look — saw how matters stood — and went hastily to his 
cabin, while the men burst into a shout and called him foul 
names. He put a revolver in his pocket — strode back to 
the mutinous gang — and in a firm voice ordered them to 
stop the noise instantly and get to work. This was met 



"Rum Done It!" 127 

with an oath and vile epithet from one of the worst men on 
board while attempting to hurl a lump of coal at Colburn. 

The latter saw the motion, and quick as a flash, put a 
bullet through his arm: the man dropped on the deck in 
a limp heap, and instantly silence fell on all. 

The Captain ordered them to put down the belaying 
pins, which they did — the animal was cowed and again 
submissive to bit and halter. 

A single decisive act showed them that their master 
was in full control: they knew he had been through the 
Civil War in the naval service, and that four years' fight- 
ing gave him ample experience to cope with such as they. 
All this flashed upon them with the crack of the pistol shot, 
and they stood ready to obey any command : they were not 
so drunk that they did not realize the gravity of their action. 

The Captain sent for sets of irons and had the Mates 
put them on the hands and feet of four men who he knew 
were leaders in every disturbance since leaving San Fran- 
cisco: thus manacled, they were led to the forecastle and 
confined in cells. He then ordered the remaining men to 
pick up the pins, return them to the racks, coil up the 
rigging, and get to work : this they did with as much alacrity 
as their partly sodden condition would allow. 

The wounded man still lay on the deck, moaning and 
begging the Captain not to kill him — a miserable example 
of the cowardice that streaked them all. He was really 
more frightened than hurt; for a hasty examination dis- 
closed it to be merely a flesh wound : it had the full moral 
effect, however, of a serious one. 

At the sound of the shot, every ship-of-war in harbor 
despatched an armed boat to the Wenonah: the one from 
the Adirondack arrived first, and when the lieutenant in 



128 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

charge stepped on board he said he came to offer assistance 
in case there was any trouble. Captain Colburn thanked 
him — replied that there had been a disturbance — but that 
he had quelled it, and the men were now at work : he said, 
however, that he should be glad to have the service of a 
surgeon, as he had wounded a man. 

The boat returned to the ship ; and the other boats seeing 
this, took it for granted that there was nothing for them to 
do, and returned also to their respective ships. 

The Captain sent for both Mates on the quarter deck 
and gave them a severe reprimand for allowing the in- 
subordination to reach the stage it did: "Both of you 
know well that if you had shown a determined front at the 
outset, this disgraceful scene could never have occurred: 
it was only by neglect, or perhaps worse — by winking at it, 
that it got beyond your control. Now keep a close watch 
on the men — stop the slightest insolence at once — and 
report it to me." The two turned sheepishly away, the 
First Mate greatly nettled: he began at once to throw all 
the blame on Snively — abusing him for his weakness ; and 
thus they fell into mutual upbraidings. 

The ship quieted down, and the various kinds of work 
went on as usual. 

The passengers, who had been ashore since early morn- 
ing on a pleasure trip, returned toward evening; and on 
learning from the steward the events of the day, felt a sin- 
cere sorrow and sympathy for the Captain: this they 
delegated Brooks to express to him, and also their own 
regret for the irritation shown on finding the work un- 
finished when they returned from Lima: now they knew 
the delay was in no wise due to him. It was a new 
experience for Colburn to find a just and appreciative view 



"Rum Done It!" 129 

of the situation on the part of any one; and he was not a 
stolid block of self sufficiency not to be gratified by it. It 
would be a cold egotist, indeed, that, in such straits (with 
all around him hostile and vindictive) who would not be 
touched and encouraged by a little human feeling! 

During the night following the disturbance just related, 
the dinghy, which was kept hoisted at temporary davits 
on the to 'gallant forecastle, was lowered, and three men 
escaped in it to the shore. The next day the boat was 
recovered, and the men arrested by the Consul and sent on 
board. 

A mania for evil-doing was rife in the ship — such a 
spirit as arises when the men know that the officers do not 
pull together: it was the fruit of insubordination that the 
First Mate and Sam Ruggles had been sowing ever since 
leaving San Francisco; it was the natural outcome of the 
antagonism exhibited by all three Mates toward the Cap- 
tain in slighting his well known orders ; it was the outburst 
due to the sly laughter and averted face of all subordinate 
officers at every petty breach of discipline; it was the rude 
protest against the Captain's endeavors to improve the 
sailor — efforts in themselves laudable and worthy of success 
but which, in addition to the opposition ever met by the 
reformer, were turned awry by the sarcastic sneers of 
Jacob Hawse. 

The Captain at once took the following measures to 
restore order: the Mates were put in three watches, day 
and night, as at sea; all liberty was stopped, except for the 
few who had behaved well from the first; the ship was 
searched from stem to stern for liquor, and some that was 
found in the men's quarters was thrown overboard; every 
boat and every man returning from shore was searched for 



130 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

liquor; the dinghy was hoisted inboard; only the quarter 
boats remained at the davits; during the night the Mate 
on watch was required to make a complete tour of the ship 
periodically ; no boat was allowed to approach the vessel at 
night; the morning inspection of the men and ship was 
made with the closest scrutiny; the Captain himself went 
on deck twice during the night and took a look at every- 
thing, and as these visits were irregular, they served to 
keep the Mates alert; and during the day the Captain was 
almost constantly on deck to see that his orders were 
executed. He was rigid and severe, but the spur he applied 
soon brought about discipline and speedy work. 

Opposite qualities in the same body is a matter of almost 
universal observation: the chemist tells us that the fruity 
odor of apples and the disgusting smell of rancid butter 
come from two substances — acetic ether and butyric acid — 
that are composed of exactly the same elements (oxygen, 
hydrogen, and carbon) united in absolutely the same 
proportions ; also, that the thistle which yields honey to the 
bee secretes a poison that stings like venom from a ser- 
pent's fang. So, from the ear of corn, which affords a 
wholesome nutritious bread, there is distilled a liquor 
which destroys the body and damns the soul! Even this 
liquor — rightly used — will arrest the ebb of life and 
strengthen the weakened physique; whereas its abuse 
shatters the system, crazes the mind, and reduces to 
grovelling mendicancy the man once proud, erect, and a 
power among men. 

"Rum done it" — what a field of misery, crime, and 
shame might be portrayed under the ungrammatical, but 
forcible phrase! 

It is known that many things taken into the system 



"Rum Done It!" 131 

impart foulness to the body. Take a single instance: the 
metal tellurium may form part of a compound that, in 
itself, is entirely free from odor; but let a person swallow 
some of it — even less than a grain — and he becomes a 
human horror! A ferment arises in his organs which 
taints his breath and perspiration with a disgusting, fetid 
smell that may cling to him for days: yet, there is a sub- 
stance more noxious, more loathsome than tellurium — 
whiskey! 

It imbrutes man. Whiskey — it reeks with the fumes of 
acrid pipes; a bar-room with sanded floor and men in 
shirt sleeves; dirty, greasy tables surrounded with besotted 
inebriates sprawling over the oil-cloth covers for the half 
filled bottle. Whiskey — it buys votes and corrupts the 
stream of ideal democracy, the hope of man to rise from the 
hard conditions that the rule by divine right has imposed 
upon him. Whiskey — it suggests the one room of a whole 
family — stove, bed, and table in slovenly disorder of a 
Saturday night, with the week's earnings spent in abase- 
ment of both parents in sight of their children. Whiskey — 
it stands for thousands whose inordinate thirst for it has 
made them what they are — outcasts, employed in positions 
far beneath their talents, education, and social grade. 
Whiskey — could it be given any other name that would 
sink all these associations ? 

Many things that might be left to the discretion of men 
when not herded together, nor under the dominance of 
brutal appetite, must be controlled by a superior when 
these conditions exist; and the larger the community, or 
more intimate its association, or more beastly the appetite — 
the tighter must the bonds of control be drawn. 

The temperate indulgence in wine which imparts 



132 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

geniality to the table of a self respecting man, is no argu- 
ment whatever for the use of liquor on board ship. 

No: a ship is no place for liquor, among either officers 
or men. If alertness of every faculty — firmness of will, 
quickness of perception, soundness of judgment, readiness 
of act — a strong hold, physical and mental, of the con- 
ditions in which one is placed — if all these are ever needed 
in any situation, it is on board ship. 

Storm, wind, and wave; the hurricane; the threatened 
collision; the man overboard; the mutinous crew; the 
carrying away of masts; the break down of an engine; the 
lee shore in a gale — these, one and all admit of no delibera- 
tion or delay faction must be immediate and judicious to 
be effective; and that it may be both, the man who has to 
do with them must not be sodden with rum. 

Now, what does liquor do to the man of sharp eye, 
strong will, firm tread, and powerful grip ? It relaxes 
everything; the eye swims and becomes watery, the will 
vacillates, the walk stumbles, the hand trembles — it makes 
him an imbecile. The baneful influence permeates the 
whole system — making lax every member and dull every 
faculty: mind and muscle lose their power — ideas float 
hazily through the brain, and the hand can hold no object — 
both matter and thought elude the physical and the mental 
grasp. Let any one recall his first excess in drink, and see 
if he does not recognize in this picture his condition after 
it! The second excess finds everything weakened and 
more easy of assault; the third and successive ones a still 
more easy prey, until, eventually, the victim becomes a 
sottish wreck, devoid of decency or refinement, gross of 
speech, coarse — brutish in manner and in appearance. 

The incidents of the present chapter tell a truthful tale 



"Rum Done It!" 133 

of the ravages of liquor among a ship's company — filling 
them with sour dissatisfaction toward the Captain, morbid 
querulousness toward each other, laxity of discipline, and 
sulkiness in work. 

The most pitiable sight possible is an old sailor the morn- 
ing after a spree, when he comes to the mast, abject and 
trembling, and begs the officer of the deck for Heaven's 
sake to let him go ashore to get just one drink to steady 
himself! And the officer is sorely tempted to let him ! It 
is the opium slave in another form, shattered by his drug. 

And to this, is God's image and likeness brought! and 
"Rum done it!" 



CHAPTER IX 

A Trip on the Oroya Railroad, and a 
Bull-fight at Lima 

Ecco alfin, ed ognun silente. 
Cos' awenne, cosa fu ? 
Corre il toro ed e furente, 
Salta fuori dal toril. 

Toreador, atento! Toreador, Toreador! 

Non obbliar che un occhio tutt 'ardor 

Ad ammirarti e intento, e che t'aspett 'amor. 

— Carmen. 
Our literary passenger, George Brooks, went up the 
Oroya Road, and saw a bull-fight at Lima: he wrote to a 
friend in San Francisco of his trip, and we reproduce his 
letter here: 

Callao, Peru. 
My dear Dan: You wanted me to tell you of anything 
remarkable I should meet in my travels — if remarkable 
thing there be outside of our glorious California ! 

Well, I have something to recount of this place — a rail- 
road up the Andes, which is a marvel; and a slaughter 
of semi-wild beasts, which is abominable! The road is 
worthy of our great State: it should be among her stu- 
pendous works — in fact it may be claimed by us ; for it was 
built by a Californian— you remember him, Henry Meiggs 
— a man of bold enterprise. But the bull-fight — the 
protracted torture of dumb animals ending in a death 

134 



A Trip on the Oroya Railroad 135 

thrust — that, thank Heaven, we have a Bergh Society to 
prevent! We have no trait of American character that 
takes pleasure in seeing the fury of poor beasts spent upon 
each other — a bull goring the horse of a picador, or a pair 
of game cocks scratching and tearing each other with 
spurs. 

The Oroya Railroad — how shall I describe it? Shall 
I open a dictionary and pick out a lot of words: towering 
peaks, precipitous slopes, yawning chasms, roaring tor- 
rents, abysses, gorges, tunnels, switch-backs, bridges, et 
id omne genus — and jumble them into a kind of pot- 
pourri ? I think it would be about as impressive and con- 
vey as much meaning as if I were to arrange them syste- 
matically and in the order of their occurrence — neither of 
which I shall do. 

No, there must be some object for comparison — you 
must have seen something similar in grandeur and great- 
ness in order to appreciate such word painting. Well, then 
the Oroya Road is grander than the Gorge of Gonda, 
which / did not see (but will take your word for it) ; or the 
Pyramids, which you did not see (but must rely upon my 
say so). 

To compare it with something we both saw — the Royal 
Gorge of the Grand Canon in Colorado — is to liken the 
murmurs of a rippling brook to the voluminous roar of 
the Nevada Falls in the Yosemite: they are in the same 
category — but one is ordinary, the other extraordinary. 
The very name of the mountain chain that the road climbs 
— la Cordillera de los Andes — is suggestive of majesty that 
cannot be portrayed. 

This reminds me what a grandiloquent language these 
Spaniards have, and what a leaning they exhibit toward 



136 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

the grandiose in everything. The other day I read a good 
illustration of it — here it is : 

"A person of high diplomatic talent, with the unpre- 
tending and rather plebeian name of Bubb, was once 
nominated to represent Great Britain at Madrid. Lord 
Chesterfield (then Minister of State) on seeing the newly 
appointed minister remarked : ' My dear fellow, your name 
will damn you with the Spaniards; a one-syllable patro- 
nymic will disgust the grandees of that hyperbolic nation. ' 
'What shall I do?' said Bubb. 'Oh! that is easily man- 
aged,' rejoined the peer: 'get yourself dubbed before you 
start, as Don Vaca y Hijo Hermoso y Toro y Sill y Bubb, 
and on your arrival you will have all the Spanish Court at 
your feet.' " 

But to return to the road: grand scenery, like stirring 
passions, must be experienced to be appreciated — the 
person who has never been deeply injured, knows not the 
savour of gratified retaliation ! 

Once again to the road, and this time I hope to make a 
start: you see, some of the fanfare of Italian railways still 
haunts me — the clang of the gong, the scream of the 
whistle, the ding-dong of the bell, and, Partenza! shouted 
again and again in fearful apprehension lest some one be 
left. 

Partenza! then, and we step aboard the train at seven 
o'clock at Callao, eight feet above the level of the sea which 
almost beats upon the tracks; and toward evening of the 
same day we are amidst crags and peaks covered with 
eternal snow, nearly sixteen thousand feet in the air: we 
have been travelling about one hundred and thirty-six 
miles ; for that is the distance by rail from station to station 
— Callao to Oroya, But, to particularize — to make the 



A Trip on the Oroya Railroad 137 

actual trip, and not this flight of the condor (you know this 
is the habitat of that bird). 

I used the word we above, not in the sense of the editorial 
figment, but to denote that I had companions: Dr. 
Austin, his wife, daughter, and governess, and Mr. 
Northrup, a lawyer from New York — all people that it 
does one good to be with. 

In half an hour from leaving Callao we reach Lima ; and 
here most of the passengers get aboard for various towns 
and hamlets strung along the mountain side — for Chosica 
at an elevation of nearly three thousand feet; San Barto- 
lome, almost five thousand feet; Matucana, about eight 
thousand feet; San Mateo, over ten thousand feet; Chicla, 
nearly thirteen thousand feet; and Oroya, over twelve 
thousand feet. Oroya is on the eastern slope of the Andes ; 
for, soon after passing Chicla, the road traverses a tunnel 
(el Paso de Galera) which is the highest point on the Rail- 
road 15,665 feet above sea level; and Mount Meiggs 
(visible from the train) is 17,575 feet. 

For ten miles or so after leaving Lima, the ascent is 
gradual and without particular interest — ordinary foot- 
hill scenery; but at Chosica, thirty- three miles from Callao, 
the climb begins — up, up, up, steady and slow. The road 
winds, turns, and twists: it retraces its path in many a 
switch-back — in nautical phrase, the train makes a tack, 
and indeed its whole course up the mountain is like beating 
to windward: it shoots through dark tunnels sonorous of 
name, and plunges across innumerable bridges, some of 
them strung over mighty deeps. Turn to your Dante, Canto 
XVII of the Inferno — look at the illustration of Gerione 
bearing the two poets from the seventh circle down to the 
eighth across a dark abyss: well, on the Oroya Railroad, 



138 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

there is one bridge called El Infiernillo that spans a gulf not 
unlike that in Dore's picture; its elevation above sea 
level is 10,919 feet, and its height above the visible ground 
beneath seems to measure at least that extent of void. 

From many a point on the road you can see numerous 
doublings upon itself — convolutions and contortions las- 
soing the mountain: now don't tell me that metaphor is 
trite — I know it — but it describes the condition. 

The little villages present a very pleasing appearance: 
they are generally located on small patches of level ground : 
the houses are one story high, whitewashed, and are 
grouped about the church like the flock about the shep- 
herd. The cross and the bell-towers a, la espafiola, pro- 
ject conspicuously from the group and testify to the flour- 
ishing condition of the Faith of the Conquistadores along 
the sides of the Cordillera. 

Humboldt says that in the ascent of this mountain chain, 
one meets the vegetable growth of various climes, ranging 
from tropical luxuriance to polar sterility: on the narrow 
hot plains from their base to the sea (as around Callao), 
the palm and banana; higher up, tree ferns; still higher, 
large trees and among them the cinchona from whose 
bark quinine is obtained; beyond, ivies and myrtles; then 
stony regions swept by cold damp winds, and occasional 
meadows which afford grass for the llama; after this, 
lichens and other sturdy plants; and finally all vegetation 
disappears, snow flakes begin, and eventually become the 
steady product, covering the peaks with an eternal mantle. 

Now I cannot vouch for all this variety of flora, not being 
a botanist; but presume it is accurate — Humboldt was an 
observant man. I can, however, testify to the correctness 
of the dismal weather near the snow line; for it came 



A Trip on the Oroya Railroad 139 

toward four o'clock in the afternoon — snow and sleet with 
piercing wind, and a bleak desolate outlook. 

In this region, we saw a line of llamas trotting single file 
along the mountain side, each burdened with a sack of ore : 
there are mines up in those heights, and the ore is carried 
by these animals. 

There is nothing like coming to the habitat of bird, beast, 
or herb for impressing its individuality upon one : an hour 
of such intimate "at home" acquaintance is worth pages 
of description. Now, here are four names — alpaca, vicuna, 
llama, and guanaco — that have ever floated like misty 
vapor o'er my brain : alpaca, as the material of a sack coat 
that brought comfort on a warm day; and vicuna, as that 
kind of cloth our tailor on Montgomery Street was forever 
extolling for the climate of San Francisco; while llama and 
guanaco are known to us mostly as names — llama, as a 
zoological classification, and guanaco, as the flamboyant 
advertisement on those big umbrellas that shade truckmen 
of a hot day down on the wharves. But here, these names 
have a habitation and a home : they stand for four animals 
of the same species differing slightly one from another; all 
are of the camel family — no hump, however; smaller, and 
not cumbrous like that slow creature, but on the contrary, 
neat-footed, lively and alert; some are beasts of burden and 
bearers of wool for the natives of these elevated regions, 
as well as a source from which other countries derive 
material for clothing. 

Another matter brought home to me by experience here 
— the change of pressure as we rise through the atmosphere, 
and the consequent physiological effects. 

You know that on an average the weight of the air at 
sea level is equal to a column of mercury thirty inches 



140 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

high — the barometer; and if this column has a cross sec- 
tion of one square inch, it will weigh about fifteen pounds : 
therefore at sea level the pressure per square inch on our 
bodies, both inside and outside, is fifteen pounds. As 
we rise above sea level, the barometer falls about one inch 
for every 950 feet, so that at the highest point reached on 
the Oroya Road, viz. 15,655 feet, the barometer indicated 
only about 14.5 inches; or the external pressure on our 
bodies was reduced to about one half, that is, to about seven 
pounds per square inch. The air in the system naturally 
pressing outward to restore equilibrium, distends the 
delicate tissues: the vessels burst; the skin cracks; blood 
issues from the nose, ears, and lips; there is difficulty in 
breathing — the air is so thin; the heart beats violently; nau- 
sea and f aintness ensue ; and one is weary at the least effort. 

Such is theory: I experienced some of these effects — 
lassitude, nausea, bursting headache, and, generally, a 
most miserable feeling: no issue of blood, however. 

On arrival at Chicla, we went to the Hotel Transandino, 
which is situated at an elevation of 12,697 feet above sea 
level : I went at once to bed with the above host of miseries 
and a threatened congestive chill ; the weather was dismal 
and raw; I covered up with all the bed clothes available, 
and spent one of the most sick and wretched nights of my 
life. The next morning I felt better; and on rising would 
barter all the real estate of which I was seized in fee simple 
for a cup of good coffee; but alas! — the manana trait 
delayed it until I grew weary unto collapse. 

O the dilatoriness of these people! And yet the card 
of the hotel proclaims it to be magnifico. What hyperbole! 
About nine o'clock, we took the train for sea level and 
made the run down to Callao in much shorter time than 



A Trip on the Oroya Railroad 141 

the ascent. When the miserable feeling had passed, we 
were glad to have seen the grandeur of the Cordillera, but 
— like the opera of Parsifal — we did not want to see it 
again. 

There! so much for that marvel of engineering — the 
Oroya Road: now for the Bull-fight! And short shrift I 
shall give it — I hate bloody spectacles. Even on the stage, 
I cannot endure simulated murder — I will not go to see it. 
My greatest source of enjoyment is the opera, and yet the 
tragic deed at the end never fails to give me a shiver: Sieg- 
fried stabbed in the back; Aida suffocated in the tomb; 
Traviata wasted away by disease; Carmen pursued round 
the stage by Jose with the gleaming knife ; Faust dragged to 
his doom to the strains of grandiose music so fitting to a 
departing soul — all these sadden me, even though the crime 
be attempted rather than performed: I prefer the wholly 
imaginative deed of Lucia di Lammermoor. 

But the actual shedding of blood — Ugh ! that is horrible. 

The street fight — two human faces bruised and trickling 
with blood — well, there may be some excuse for this: it 
may be the only way of settling a score — some differences 
between men cannot be carried into court nor arbitrated. 

The contest in the arena between two dumb animals: 
bull and lion, or tiger, or leopard, or elephant — merely 
to vent the antagonism each instinctively feels for the 
other by tearing, clawing, goring, and biting, until both 
are racked with pain and exhausted by loss of blood — 
this is revolting; and yet it is near kin to the combat between 
man and bull. Not so many years ago, such conflicts took 
place in the ring at Madrid, and (incredible though it be) 
the bull was victor over lion, tiger, and leopard, being 
vanquished by the elephant alone. Think of the courage 



142 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

of a man who will face the conqueror of such rnonarchs 
of the lair and jungle! 

But for a poor beast to be incited to fury — prodded by 
the lance of the picador, tortured by the barb of the 
banderillero, enraged by a hypodermic injection of fire, 
and pierced again and again with a stiletto when the 
matador fails in his aim — Oh ! this is the worst of all : it is 
horrible to see — mere brute force and animal rage butting 
against dexterity of hand, nimbleness of foot, and skill 
begotten of practice ! The inevitable is apparent from the 
first — clear sighted intelligence must win against blind 
instinct. 

The struggle is typical of the efforts of the criminal 
against his Creator — he goes on breaking every law of 
Heaven in a wild career of sin, crime, and shame; but the 
eternal justice of God will give the final thrust ! 

But I wander — let us return to the gory deed. 

I have seen ten thousand people of all ages, both sexes, 
and every condition of life, shout and applaud in a mighty 
roar — at what? At the spectacle of a slender youth, in 
rich apparel — holding a small red flag in one hand, and a 
long sharp sword in the other — quiet and cool — waiting 
the onset of a maddened bull; and when it was upon him, 
thrust the blade up to the hilt in the animal's neck, and 
in an instant the raging life became an inert mass. Self 
possessed courageous manhood — sure of eye and hand — 
pitted against blind fury! I must say it was admirable. 

And again I have heard the same multitude hiss and 
jeer and utter every cry of derision — at what ? The same 
spectacle! — but this time the man's arm failed — the steel 
stuck in the animal's neck, a foot deep, and he went career- 
ing onward — furious under the blade's wriggling point. 



A Trip on the Oroya Railroad 143 

Such is the lesson of failure; and you'll find that the 
multitude in matters much more important, are often 
swayed by a mere balk to their expectations, like the 
emotional spectators of a bull-fight. 

Mr. Northrup, who has seen the spectacle in the home of 
its greatest splendor (Madrid), tells me that it is about the 
same here as there. Descriptions of it abound; so if you 
are interested in the details, I must refer you to other 
sources, as I shall give only an outline of it. 

The bull-ring is a huge round structure of masonry 
on the outskirts of the city; it is supplied with seats like 
a circus, but has no covering, so that on a bright, hot 
day one half the seats are desirable, and the other half 
scarcely endurable: the latter correspond to the gallery 
of a theatre, and are sold at low rates to the populace; 
the former correspond to the dress circle, and command 
high prices from the better class. The arena where the 
action goes on is of vast size : around it runs a railing a few 
feet from the lowest circle of seats ; and the toreros scale this 
barrier when hotly pursued by the bull. 

The butchery is advertised as a corrida de toros — a mere 
running of bulls; but it is a tragedy in three acts — the 
Tantalizing, the Torturing, and the Death Thrust. 

There is a programme of the play, giving the names and 
parts of the dramatis personae, both biped and quadruped ; 
for several of the latter are run. I spoke above of a 
hypodermic injection of fire being administered to the bull 
to make him active when sluggish; and lest you think I am 
indulging in facetious metaphor, I quote from the Prog- 
rama oficial de las corridas de toros : " Cuarto. Que se 
usaran banderillas de fuego para los toros que no hayan 
tornado mas de tres varas." The banderilla de fuego 



144 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

has a fire cracker attached to its barbed point: when this 
enters the flesh, the cracker explodes, burning and in- 
furiating the poor animal, and converting what was little 
more than a vicious ox into a maddened bull raging for 
fight. 

And that you may see that all ages, even the child at 
the breast, are present at these performances, I quote again 
from the programme: "Los ninos que no sean de pecho, 
necesitan billete." 

Under the name Cuadrilla (troop) are included all who 
take part in the performance: the matador (killer) is the 
swordsman who gives the fatal thrust; he is agile, alert, 
of undaunted courage, complete master of nerve and 
muscle, and thoroughly skilled in the use of his weapon, 
by whose Spanish name, Espada, he is generally known. 
The banderillero (from bandera, a small flag on a staff) 
is a torturer; and for dexterity, self-possession, and courage, 
ranks next to the Espada: the staff is not a simple stick, 
however; but has a fish-hook barb which enters the bull's 
hide — sticks there — and penetrates more with his every 
motion — an automatic spur. The capeador (cape bearer) 
is a tantalizer and foil, who carries a large red and yellow 
piece of cloth by which he decoys the bull from a fallen 
picador, or practises feints upon him ; he must have a sharp 
eye, fleet foot, and ready hand. The picador (lancer) is 
armed with a long lance having a dull prod — it gives the 
first wound to poor toro : the picador is mounted — all others 
perform on foot — but such a horse ! " Shylock might 
probe in vain for a pound of flesh on the entire herd of old 
nags used by the picadores] — diseased, emaciated, shat- 
tered in wind and limb — a pitiable museum of equine 
skeletons." The chulos are the supes of the theatre. 



A Trip on the Oroya Railroad 145 

Torero is a general name applied to any member of the 
cuadrilla ; and toreador is reserved for the espada or mata- 
dor in particular. There are several matadores, ban- 
derilleros, capeadores and picadores in every performance 
— all varying in attainments and importance like the 
players in a drama; and the Booth, Irving, or Mansfield 
of the bull-ring is even more of a personage to the lovers 
of that pastime than were these actors to their admirers. 

In the pristine glory of tauromachia, it was the grandees 
and men of celebrity who fought bulls: Fernando Pizarro 
was a valiant toreador before undertaking the conquest of 
Peru. In our unromantic era, however, the practise has 
fallen wholly into professional hands — men who rise from 
the populace. 

But 'tis time to ring up the curtain and begin; the band 
is playing, the audience is gathered, and ten thousand 
people make a vivacious assemblage — laughter, noise, 
merriment, and a great ebullition of life. 

First, we have the majestic entry of the cuadrilla or 
whole troop who make the circuit of the arena with a 
proud step, to the strains of lively music and the plaudits 
of the audience : they are dressed in every costume of their 
profession — short jacket, knee breeches, silk stockings, 
dainty shoes, jaunty caps, and sashes of every hue; their 
apparel is red, yellow, green, and blue — of velvet, silk, and 
fine cloth, and covered with decorations and gold embroid- 
ery. It is a brilliant scene of a far away age and clime. 

Then the trumpet sounds and the decks are cleared for 
action: the picadores take position at different points and 
stand at gaze; the banderilleros and capeadores scatter 
about the ring; and the matador seeks a coign of vantage — 
as well as of refuge, to bide his time, 



146 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

The bulls are kept in a darkened pen under the seats, 
and from this a dark passage leads to a door opening into 
the ring; one bull is separated from the rest and allowed to 
seek this door. At a blast from the trumpet the door was 
flung open, and the bull rushed into the arena: there he 
stood for a second — bewildered — dazed by the uproar of 
the multitude and dazzled by the sunlight. He was a 
fierce animal — full of fire and fight. Seeing a picador, he 
rushed for him — head down: the onslaught was sudden 
and violent — the man failed to plant his lance in the bull's 
neck, and the latter tore his horns through the belly of 
the horse, rolling him over the rider on the ground. In- 
stantly, the capeadores came to the rescue — some baited the 
bull with their capes and lured him away, while others 
helped the fallen foe. The horse was killed outright — 
his entrails burst forth in a mass, and the man was seriously 
injured. Meantime, the bull went for another picador; 
but this time the man was ready and powerful — he planted 
the lance behind the horns, arrested the bull's career and 
held him at bay, while the horns grazed the horse's breast. 
The capeadores were on hand and drew off the bull by 
waving their capes. The bull's neck was streaming with 
blood, and for a few seconds he stood undecided: then he 
made another dash for the picador — struck the horse in 
the breast and upset both him and the rider. The cape- 
adores threw themselves again into the breach; and after 
a few more such assaults, the picadores withdrew, and 
the first act closed. 

Then the trumpet sounded again and the banderilleros 
came into action. One of them took a banderilla in each 
hand, and at a distance of a hundred feet or more, stood 
taunting the bull to attack. He did not have to wait long — 



A Trip on the Oroya Railroad 147 

the beast came on, horns down, and when they all but 
touched the man, the latter skillfully planted both darts in 
the animal's neck and nimbly jumped aside, leaving the 
bull to career onward, rearing and kicking under the new 
goad, while blood flowed from the fresh wounds. A sec- 
ond banderillero repeated the manoeuvre with equal skill; 
four sharp barbs were now stuck in the bull's neck, and he 
writhed and bled with every motion. A third banderillero 
did the same: he planted the darts, but in jumping aside, 
he tripped and fell; and before he could rise, or the cape- 
adores assist him, the bull turned and gored his life out. 
This closed the second act. 

The trumpet sounded again, and the matador stepped 
proudly into the arena — the Toledo blade in his right hand, 
the red flag in his left. It was now bull and man alone: 
but the man was fresh for the fray, while the bull was 
weak from loss of blood, weary from violent effort, and 
distracted by painful wounds and harassing barbs: the 
contest was wholly unequal. For a moment each eyed 
the other intently at the distance of a hundred yards : then 
the bull rushed furiously at the man, as if to say, " Let us 
end it — either you or I die." The matador stood firm, 
and just as the horns touched him, ran the sword into the 
neck — in, in, in, until it touched a vital spot, when the 
bull stood still — staggered — and fell on all fours : for a sec- 
ond he held his head firmly up, then it dropped — he was 
dead, and the tumult of applause that rose from the 
spectators was deafening. 

With variations due to the individuality of both toreros 
and toros — for the bulls, too, have distinguishing traits 
(they fight fiercely or shyly, and are eager for combat or 
recoil from it) — the teasing, torturing, and killing went on 



148 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

from three o'clock in the afternoon until dusk; eight bulls 
in all were slaughtered. Funeral obsequies were held over 
each carcass as soon as life was extinct — a pair of gayly 
decorated mules were driven into the arena, hitched to the 
lately departed, and he was dragged out. His flesh was 
sold for food! 

It would be curious to determine how much of his expir- 
ing rage and mad excitement entered the organism of him 
who fed on such meat, quivering with all the intensity of 
the most savage feelings that can animate man or beast ! 
Is it possible that a sword thrust dispels it all ? It would 
be, I say, very curious to ascertain the effect ; but I am not 
one to try it — as soon would I experiment with a dog 
infected with the rabies. 

I think, my dear Dan, you have now had enough of 
the bull-fight; at least, of the real one. When we see it 
together, it will be by suggestion — as in Carmen: what a 
magnificent Toreador Senor Del Puente made when we 
saw him last ! Young, agile, handsome — I see his grace- 
ful movements now, and hear his sonorous voice: if he 
ever played a part in the actual ring, 'tis sad to think what 
a host of bleeding feminine hearts he would bear with him 
from the arena! Peace be unto his ashes! — he gave 
pleasure to many a one in his day. I wonder if he and 
Madame Calve ever sang together in Carmen? She as 
supple, as bewitching, as versatile, as handsome — as real 
in all that goes to make up the ideal Carmen, as he was the 
ideal Toreador! It is only in this opera that I shall ever 
again see a bull-fight. 

Your sincere friend, 

George Brooks. 



CHAPTER X 

The United States Flagship Adirondack: 
Homeward Bound! 

Mais enfin le matelot crie: 
Terre! terre! la-bas, voyez! 
Ah! tous mes maux sont oublies. 
Salut a ma patrie! 

— Beranger. 

As a rule, the Trade-winds blow steady but light at 
Callao, so that ships generally ride in a southeasterly 
direction. On each side of the Adirondack lay ships-of- 
war of different nationalities — French, English, German, 
and Peruvian ; and when the wind was from a certain point, 
these swung with their bows in alignment, so that they 
formed a cosmopolitan squadron in line abreast. 

Sometimes, however, in calms or variable airs, the ves- 
sels headed in every direction — an international mix-up. 

The Wenonah lay on the port quarter of the Adirondack, 
close aboard, and thus had a good view of all that occurred 
in the squadron. 

There are two functions on every ship-of-war that are 
carried out with appropriate ceremonial — hoisting the 
colors at eight in the morning, and hauling them down at 
sunset : at the former, light yards are crossed, or sail loosed 
to dry, or the running boats for the day lowered, while the 
ensign goes up; the band plays the national air and the 

149 



150 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

ship's company face aft and take off their caps. At the 
hauling down of the colors, the light yards are sent down, 
to 'gallant masts struck, or all boats hoisted, with the 
accompaniment of band and personal salute to the flag 
as in the morning. All this in the days of sail — alas, gone! 

Where ships of different nations are assembled, nautical 
courtesy has established the custom of hoisting and hauling 
down the colors with the senior officer present : the Ameri- 
can Admiral was the senior here, and it was a beautiful sight 
to see these engines of war render in unison — each in its 
own way — patriotic tribute to the ensign at its peak. The 
Adirondack alone had a band, and every morning, after 
the strains of the Star Spangled Banner had died away, 
the national air of each ship was played in the order of 
seniority of her commanding officer. Such is the courtesy 
of the sea. 

This gathering of many vessels is a great incentive to 
proficiency : each crew feels it is in full view of all the others ; 
and national, nautical, and ship pride incite it to expert- 
ness and celerity; the rivalry of the race-horse is in its 
blood — straining to distance every competitor. 

The drills and routine duties of the Adirondack formed a 
great source of interest and pleasure to the people on the 
Wenonah, and became almost as familiar to them as if 
carried out on their own deck. At five every morning, 
reveille was sounded by fife and drum, followed by the 
boatswain's pipe and call "All hands — up all hammocks!" 
Up they tumbled in a hurrying throng — from the berth 
deck and the gun deck, each man with hammock neatly 
lashed; or if not, he was sent below by the lieutenant of 
the watch to do it. They stood near the rail and passed 
their hammocks up to the petty officer in the netting, 



The U. S. Flagship Adirondack 151 

who stowed them in an even row — an undulating snow-line. 

Half an hour for coffee and smoke, and then, " Turn-to !" 
when a hum of busy life filled the ship — scrubbing, cleans- 
ing, scouring: they scrubbed their clothes, their spare 
hammocks, and themselves; they scrubbed the decks, the 
boats, and the ship's copper; everything was cleaned, 
brightened, and polished, until by eight o'clock (when the 
color evolution took place) the ship shone like the kitchen 
utensils of a Dutch house wife; and all things were in as 
thorough order as that precise dame could wish. 

Then breakfast for three quarters of an hour, during 
which the band played on the quarter deck. 

Again, "Turn-to!" and a further smoothing out of all 
rumples in the toilet of ship and crew — yards were squared, 
rigging hauled taut, and awnings spread. At half past 
nine, quarters: the crew being divided into divisions, as a 
regiment into companies, each division assembled under 
its own officers — a lieutenant and a midshipman: those 
stationed at the battery, on the gun deck; the navigator's 
division, on the spar deck; the powder division, on the 
berth deck; the engineer's force in the engine room; and 
the marines on the quarter deck. The size of the divisions 
varied from forty to eighty men. The Captain and 
Executive Officer stood on the starboard side of the quar- 
ter deck, and all officers wore their side arms. Each lieu- 
tenant inspected his men and made note of deficiencies 
in personal neatness and cleanliness: he reported to the 
Executive, who conveyed all reports to the Captain. 

Then, for about an hour, drill — varying for each division 
according to the routine of the day— some, at the battery, 
howitzers, and gatlings; more, at the manual of arms, 
company and skirmish drill; still more, with revolvers, 



152 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

handling torpedoes, single sticks, and setting up — the last 
a kind of limbering of all the muscles. When drill was 
over, the artisans and crew began various kinds of work 
which continued until noon : then all hands had an hour for 
dinner. 

In the afternoon, more drill and work until four o'clock: 
at five, supper. The band played on the gun deck during 
the officers' dinner hour; and later, for the men, on the 
spar deck, when dancing, song and story formed the 
amusement of various groups until nine o'clock: then, 
"Tattoo — pipe down!" and all was hushed for the night — 
snug in hammock and bunk, save the officer of the deck, 
the quartermaster, sentries, and anchor watch. 

Such was an ordinary day; but every few days some 
lengthy exercise took place: one of these was sail drill, 
for which advantage was taken of a clear day when a very 
light breeze was blowing. Sail was made to royals, and 
the yards braced up. Then, an imaginary gale coming on, 
sail was reduced to it — reefs taken — and more reefs — 
storm sails and preventer braces gotten up — and all prep- 
arations made for heavy weather, until eventually the 
ship lay-to under fore storm staysail, close reefed maintop- 
sail, and storm mizzen. Finally, everything was restored 
to the statu quo ante exercitum; and it was a sight to stir 
the blood of even a landsman to see the celerity and skill 
of the whole performance. 

Another long exercise, which even in those days was not 
frequent, was the following: in the afternoon, with lower 
booms out and boats at them, light yards across and all 
sail bent, the Captain sent word to the Executive to call 
"All hands down lower yards and house topmasts!" 

Every officer went to his station. The light yards and 



The U. S. Flagship Adirondack 153 

topgallant masts were sent on deck — all sail unbent — 
booms rigged in — boats dropped astern — top-pennants 
and tackles gotten up — jeers rove — topsail yards lowered 
on forward rim of top and lashed — topmasts housed — and 
lower yards sent down to rest on rail : in less than two hours 
the ship looked like a dilapidated wreck, everything was 
so dismantled. The next morning all things were restored 
to their customary places: sail made to royals; yards 
braced alternately to port and starboard — then squared; 
everything snugly furled; and at eight, with hoisting the 
colors, the booms were rigged out and boats lowered as 
usual. 

One morning, instead of routine drills, the ship was 
cleared for action, when all top hamper was sent down and 
every article of equipment not essential in action, was 
stowed below; canvas was spread under the boats; ham- 
mocks formed into fortifications for sharpshooters; and 
the battery cast loose and exercised. A fine sight the gun 
deck then presented — an open vista, full of armed men 
grouped in crews around their guns, and all set in motion 
together by orders from the Executive. Then the rattle 
was sprung — boarders scrambled through every hatch- 
way, revolver and cutlass in hand, and crouched below 
the rail, ready to spring at the word. Next, the gong 
sounded, and pikemen and riflemen hurried to form lines 
behind the boarders, their weapons couched in bristing 
barriers over the rail. "All hands repel boarders!" and 
everybody with every available arm rushed to the repulse. 
But without avail — the enemy gained foothold on the spar 
deck and fought his way aft. Then the gatlings were 
wheeled into action on the quarter-deck, and the crew 
retreated behind and beside them — a solid mass of bayonets 



154 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

and cutlasses: they opened fire and raked the deck — the 
attack wavered — when, " Drive the enemy over the bows!" 
and with a rush, all charged forward with bayonet, cutlass, 
and revolver, and cleared the deck. It was an exercise 
full of spirit and enthusiasm. 

Fire quarters was a regular weekly drill, but at times, 
it was followed by "Abandon Ship!" At the Fire drill, 
men laid into the tops and out on the yards to draw water 
in buckets in case of fire aloft; others formed long bucket 
lines on deck; the pumps were manned and several streams 
of water thrown; gangs had axes, hatchets, crowbars and 
other wrecking tools; a squad was equipped with fire 
extinguishers ; another squad had bottles of liquid to throw 
on the flame; sentries guarded all boat davits; and the 
gunner's gang was ready to flood the magazines and shell 
rooms. Then on the supposition that the fire got beyond 
control, the boatswain was ordered to call "All hands 
abandon ship!" Everything was dropped — boats lowered 
and hauled under gun ports where they were quickly pro- 
visioned and equipped with the necessaries for existence; 
and then every officer and man got into his assigned boat: 
they formed line ahead, pulled around the ship, returned 
and discharged; and once more the desolation the decks 
had presented during their absence was dispelled ; and life, 
order, and regularity restored. It was an impressive exer- 
cise performed with system. 

Another drill was arming all boats for attack upon craft 
of any kind ; and still another, landing the gatlings and how- 
itzers as artillery in combination with several companies 
as infantry for battalion drill. 

The most picturesque of all the drills, however, was fleet 
tactics with boats. There were twelve pulling boats; and 



The U. S. Flagship Adirondack 155 

a steam launch, from which the manoeuvres were signalled : 
each had a crew of ten men, coxswain, and officer in charge. 
When equipped and ready, they formed in single column, 
and lay on their oars : then, by signal, they were put through 
a series of evolutions — line abreast, double column, 
echelon, and various changes of front and course. It was 
a beautiful sight to see them move together and maintain 
their distances from each other. Finally, they were formed 
in line, and brought to a stop: signal was made, "Toss 
oars!" when these were brought to a vertical position with 
blades fore and aft — a pretty sight. Then, "Boat oars!" 
and all were laid together on the thwarts. Again, signal, 
"Make sail — close hauled — port tack!" Instantly, masts 
were stepped, sail set, alignment corrected, and they sped 
onward in line abreast under the impulse of a good breeze. 
Upon signal being made, " Change course eight points to 
starboard!" sheets were eased off, helms put up, and in a 
moment all were moving in single column. Again, by 
signal, they hauled by the wind, tacked together, wore in 
succession, and finally returned to the ship — a race to test 
the sailing qualities of each boat and the seamanship of 
her officer. 

The cleanliness and care of the men was a very noticeable 
feature of the Adirondack: every morning, heavy lines of 
white and of blue clothing were hoisted to dry ; once a week, 
all bedding was aired — hammocks opened and mattresses 
spread on the rail, on clothes lines, on booms, and on spars; 
once a month, all clothing was similarly opened and aired ; 
and once a quarter, both clothing and bedding were spread 
out by divisions on the spar and gun decks, each man stood 
beside his belongings, and the Captain and Executive 
Officer inspected them. 



156 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

On the first Sunday of every month a full dress muster 
was held, when everybody — officer and man — appeared in 
his best: all gathered on the quarter deck — the Articles 
for the Government of the Navy were read by the Execu- 
tive — and the crew mustered; as each man's name was 
called, he stepped from the ranks on the port side, took off 
his cap, passed around the capstan and went forward 
after close scrutiny by the Captain. 

Divine service was held every Sunday, at which those 
who wished to do so, attended : those who preferred to go 
to church ashore, were formed into parties each with one 
of its number in charge, and set ashore in the steam launch. 

Liberty to go ashore was given every evening; and on 
Saturdays and Sundays, according to behavior. 

Boat races were held, in which all the foreign ships 
entered, and which afforded intense excitement and rivalry. 

Dancing took place every evening, and minstrel per- 
formances occurred periodically. 

In all this, there was life, movement, vitality, emulation, 
and a spur to interest and exertion: the personal element 
entered everywhere, and was the directing, achieving 
power upon which success or failure mainly depended; 
but now with sails practically abolished, the stimulus to 
the topman is gone — there is no longer the elation of the 
fore beating the main, nor is there the pride of weathering 
a gale by reefing down and making everything snug. 
No: the modern monster of steel plunges right into the 
teeth of any storm, and the sailor takes it easy in the lee 
of some superstructure. He is not called upon to brave 
foul weather, and so it browbeats him: he is not the pro- 
duct of fierce struggle with it — a hardy, hardened, cou- 
rageous fighter, who watches with grim pleasure its approach 



The U. S. Flagship Adirondack 157 

for he feels he can baffle it with his strength and skill. 
Furthermore, the substitution of mechanical devices has 
rendered human endeavor secondary in all the arteries 
of modern war ships : the personal effort has been dwarfed 
by bloodless, nerveless, fleshless, brainless force — Elec- 
tricity, steam, and hydraulic power, whose whole aim and 
tendency is to ensure results with deadly precision and 
rapidity. The old order was effective in its day — the new 
is essential to the present; but it is a regrettable fact that 
with the change much of the personal element — the 
emulation and enthusiasm that diversify the sailor's life, 
should have to disappear. When there is no sail exercise 
to give play to his bold manhood, either in drill, or to 
weather a gale, many of his affections fail to take deep root : 
the cold steel with which he has to deal is not a fertile soil 
— he does not warm to it as towards a topsail, a boat, and 
a gun that formed part of a harmonious whole. 

It is a lonely feeling one has in a foreign land when he 
hears only a strange tongue from day to day : he craves the 
companionship that can come only from his native speech; 
and when he hears this, it is with an eager grip he seizes 
the friendly hand and gives utterance to his pent up 
feelings. From such a condition it was that the Captain 
and passengers of the Wenonah fraternized with the 
officers of the Adirondack, and each found pleasure in the 
other's company. 

Doctor Austin, Brooks, and Mr. Northrup spent many 
evenings with the officers smoking on the gun deck while 
the band played; Mrs. Austin, Adeline, and Marguerite 
were frequently taken out sailing in one of the ship's boats; 
and all were invited to dinner, to luncheon, and to dancing 
parties on afternoons when the society of Lima and Callao 



158 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

as well as the officers of the foreign vessels were gathered 
on the Flagship: these entertainments (which were re- 
turned in such way as Captain Colburn and his passengers 
could find means to do) cemented the good feeling between 
both ships. 

Toward the end of her stay, the Adirondack had her 
quarterly target practice, and the party from the Wenonah 
were invited to see it. They gladly accepted, and the 
morning of the event, after an early breakfast, they went 
on board. At eight o'clock the Adirondack got underway 
and steamed a few miles outside the shipping where the 
firing was to take place. The target — a canvas screen — 
had been anchored the evening before at one corner of 
an equilateral triangle, the other two corners being marked 
by buoys: to these, boats now pulled with a midshipman 
in each provided with instruments for observing the fall 
of the projectiles. All fires and lights were extinguished 
(except those under the boilers) on board the Adirondack. 

At nine o'clock, "Beat to general quarters!" Captain 
Colburn and Brooks had seen this many a time; but to 
Mr. Northrup and Doctor Austin and his family it was a 
novel and most interesting sight : the throng of men hurry- 
ing to and fro, each intent on his own duty — all apparent 
confusion, but in reality complete system. Within a few 
minutes, all was ready — battery cast loose — crews armed 
and at their guns — powder division in magazine — shot 
and shell at hand — and everybody at his station : the activ- 
ity ceased, and silence fell upon the ship. 

The Executive Officer was on the bridge to carry on the 
practice under direction of the Captain ; the Navigator near 
the helm to direct the ship's course; and a Midshipman 
with sextant in the maintop to determine the range. The 




The V. S. Flagship Adirondack 



The U. S. Flagship Adirondack 159 

ship's speed was about seven knots: she had just passed the 
first boat, heading for the second, when the Executive 
gave the order — "Commence firing!" An explosion and 
flash! and the forward gun of the battery sent a shell to 
the target, a thousand yards off: it burst close to it: other 
shells from other guns followed in quick succession and 
burst near enough to the target to make short work of any 
craft that might be there. By the time the ship reached 
the second boat, the whole starboard battery had been 
fired, and everything was enveloped in smoke. The day 
was clear and bright with a light breeze. The firing ceased, 
the ship passed on, made a turn, again crossed the firing 
line for the port battery to fire; and so alternately back 
and forth to bring each battery to bear, until a number 
of rounds had been fired by every gun. 

After watching the flight of the first few shells, the vis- 
itors betook themselves to the gun deck — the scene of real 
activity: there were the gun crews armed with cutlass 
and revolver, or battle-axe, each crew grouped around its 
gun, and the whole battery in various stages of action — 
this gun loading; another running out; a third training — 
side tackles in hand — every eye upon the gun captain, 
who, cool, and deliberate, motioned the right tackle or the 
left to haul handsomely, while with lock-string in hand 
and eye ranging along sights and target, he caught the 
critical juncture, and then, "Ready — fire!" when every- 
thing dropped — a crash — the gun recoiled — and all peered 
through the port to see the result. 

It was a vivid spectacle — guns running out, training, 
recoiling; powder boys hurrying with charges; shellmen 
bringing up projectiles; the gun captain's voice of com- 
mand; the frequent noise of discharge; the men's faces 



160 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

smutty with powder; and all dimly seen through a sul- 
phurous smoke that filled the deck — a scene of the Inferno ! 

The exercise was finished by three in the afternoon and 
the ship returned to her old berth. 

About two weeks after the Wenonah had arrived at 
Callao, there occurred one of those events which periodi- 
cally take place in many a port of the world — the departure 
of a ship-of-war for home after an absence of three years: 
the Adirondack was on the eve of sailing. 

There is much of hardship, privation, and vexation 
in the life of the officer as well as of the seaman in the Navy. 

It is not always the waxed deck, canopied with varie- 
gated bunting, bright with colored electric lights, flashing 
with weapons of strife formed into fantastic figures — the 
band playing, and beautifully attired women and brilliant 
uniforms winding in and out through the mazes of the 
dance. 

This, however, is the side most seen by those who see 
much at all of life on board: but there is a reverse to the 
picture; and while it is most in view during the cruise, it 
is generally veiled or turned to the wall on entering port. 
On the dark side we have the debilitating heat of Tropical 
climes or the rigors of northern cold; the region infected 
with malarial disease; the semi-savage parts of the world, 
where life is little more of an existence than the rank 
vegetation that grows in the vicinity; the isolation from 
all that is ennobling, congenial, or enjoyable; the sub- 
sistence on unpalatable, coarse food; the close restraint 
to ship limits; and above all, the long and anxious separa- 
tion from home and family. Many a tear was shed at 
parting; and many a sad hour has been spent during the 
cruise as the mail brought painful tidings. Death has 



The U. S. Flagship Adirondack 161 

been in some home, yea, even more harrowing than death 
— the long and wasting disease that drags on and on only 
to claim its emaciated victim on the eve of return of him 
who has with pain followed its progress in every letter 
throughout the years. Can any one wonder at the feel- 
ing of relief that fills the heart as the day draws near to 
end all this ? 

Then there are the petty differences that arise in closely 
associated communities. Individual traits — the repellant 
personality as well as the attractive one — assert themselves 
on board ship as in every body of men : the selfish, aggres- 
sive nature; the taunting cynic; the mean, spiteful tongue; 
the plausible, crafty person — all these, the instigators of 
strife, discord, and unhappiness — are found in wardroom 
and forecastle alike, equally with the generous, frank, and 
cheerful man, with whom it is a pleasure to live. The 
stings of these human gnats inflame the sensibilities: the 
wounds fester and grow more sore with each new stab, 
until toward the end of the cruise the victim longs for 
release from them. As truly said by a classic writer on 
life at sea, " C'est les petites misere intestines qui remplis- 
sent lentement le vase de degouts, et finissent quelquefois 
par le faire deborder." 

The man cooped up three years in their midst yearns 
for other faces, for more varied topics of conversation, for 
new veins of thought, for wholly different surroundings. 
With one or more he associates only under stress: ashore, 
he would have naught to do with him; but on board, he 
must — perhaps even receive orders from him — because 
the mandate of a common superior places both in these 
intimate relations. 

It is in the communal life that coteries and cliques 



162 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

flourish and do their most vindictive work — where jealous- 
ies arise and become most spiteful — where prejudices 
have abundant growth and inflict the meanest injustice: 
and is it any wonder that he who suffers from all such 
should anxiously look for the day of surcease — when the 
flag is hauled down for the last time and the ship is put 
out of commission ? 

The day of departure had come; and when the colors 
were hoisted at eight o'clock, there was rounded up to the 
main royal truck of the Adirondack a bundle, which, when 
broken, let fall a streamer that floated five hundred feet 
in the morning breeze — the homeward bound pennant! 
The band played as usual the national airs of every ship 
present, and then a series of operatic selections. 

All was quiet until nine — it was the breakfast hour — 
but then a lively scene spread upon the water: the ship 
was to get underway at half past ten, and gigs and cutters 
pulled from every vessel toward the Adirondack — their 
captains and ward-room officers coming to bid farewell to 
those about to sail. 

After the visitors went on board, the boats lay on their 
oars off the starboard side and astern — presenting an 
animated scene of variegated flags, rising and falling and 
variously undulating with every movement of the water. 
On board, in cabin and ward-room, conviviality reigned 
— an effervescence of good feeling in accord with the 
sparkling wine that filled the parting glass. Conversa- 
tion was lively, and shreds of English, French, and Spanish 
floated in the air from different groups — regrets at parting, 
reminiscences of events enjoyed together, and hopes of 
meeting again in some other quarter of the globe. 

The day was clear with a gentle breeze blowing from 



The U. S. Flagship Adirondack 163 

the southeast, and not a vestige was in the sky of the 
damp fog that so often enshrouds Callao Harbor. 

At length, the last boat had gone, the gangway ladder 
was whipped in, and then resounded throughout the ship 
the shrill pipe of the boatswain and his mates, followed by 
the call — " All hands up anchor for home!" 

Instantly arose the activity of a bee-hive. 

The Admiral, Captain, and Executive Officer repaired 
to the after-bridge — the first, chiefly as an onlooker; the 
Captain, to direct affairs; and the Executive (trumpet in 
hand) to get the ship underway. The Navigator went to 
his place to pilot the ship out. The senior Lieutenant 
took station on the forecastle; the second and third Lieu- 
tenants on the starboard and port sides respectively, near 
the mainmast; the fourth Lieutenant at the mizzen; 
and the fifth Lieutenant on the gun deck to attend at the 
capstan and chain. Midshipmen were assigned as assist- 
ants to these, and also as a signal officer over the quarter- 
masters. 

The ready-men were sent aloft (the ship was to get under- 
way under sail alone) ; more men were preparing the gear 
on deck; and every one of the five hundred constituting 
the crew was at his station. The bars were shipped and 
manned — the capstan whirled round — and the chain came 
rapidly in to a lively tune on fife and drum. At the report 
— "Short stay, sir!" the order came from the bridge, 
"Avast heaving!" and then the boatswain piped, "All 
hands make sail!" The men sprang into the rigging and 
stood on the sheer poles: a pause, and then the following 
orders were given by the Executive officer: "Aloft sail- 
loosers!" and the men started quickly up the rigging. 
" Lay out and loose!" — they spread upon the yards, cast 



164 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

off the gaskets and held up the sail, while those on deck 
kept a turn of the gear, ready to throw it off. 

"Let fall — sheet home — and hoist away the topsails!" 
when, as if by magic, the ship was shrouded in canvas, 
falling from every yard in graceful folds. The men 
scrambled down from aloft — some, by long stretches in 
the ratlines — others, hand over hand down the lifts — and 
more by seizing upon a rope and coming down with it — 
on the run. The clews were quickly hauled out, and a 
hundred men double-banked the halliards and ran the 
topsails up. Then the top gallant sails and royals were 
set, the spanker hauled out, and the gear of the head sails 
led along. 

"Lay aft to the braces: port head — starboard main — 
port cross-jack braces!" and the after yards were braced 
up on the port tack, the head yards abox. 

"Man the bars — heave round!" A final tug at the 
anchor, which, though stubbornly held by the mud, was 
soon wrenched from its grasp by strength that was anxious 
to get away. The anchor tripped, and slowly the Adir- 
ondack turned to starboard. The head sails were run 
up to assist the movement, and the helm set for sternboard. 
Meanwhile, the anchor was run up and catted. 

The after-sails began to draw — the head yards were 
braced around — the helm righted — spanker sheet hauled 
in — and a gentle breeze soon filled every sail : the ship was 
about to start on her twenty thousand mile run — to Japan 
— to Singapore — to the Cape of Good Hope — to St. Helena 
— to New York! The band on the quarter deck played 
"Home, Sweet Home," and every heart felt a yearning 
thrill. Suddenly, a signal of the international code was 
broken at the mast head — "Good bye!" 



The U. S. Flagship Adirondack 165 

In response appeared a signal of the same code at the 
mast head of every man-of-war in harbor, which — how- 
ever worded in German, English, French, or Spanish, had 
the common sentiment of good feeling — "Bon voyage!" 

Then the Frenchman manned the rigging and gave three 
hearty cheers, which were quickly followed by others 
from the Englishman, the German, and the Peruvian. 

The cheer is the embodiment of American good feeling; 
so when the Gaul, the Briton, the Spaniard and the 
Teuton had each exhibited his cultivation of this exotic 
plant, the American rose to the grandeur of his native 
outburst — he swarmed in the rigging, he blackened the 
rail, he filled the tops, and rent the air with three times 
three and a tiger, tossing many a cap skyward to intensify 
his enthusiasm. 

By this time, the Adirondack had come abreast the 
Wenonah, as if for a final hand shake; it was given — 
metaphorically — and with a hearty grip. Captain Col- 
burn, his officers and passengers stood on the poop waving 
adieus with hat, cap, and handkerchief; while the crew 
manned the rigging and cheered, and the ensign was 
dipped again and again. 

Another round of cheers from the Flagship — the "Girl 
I left behind me" by the band, and the Adirondack stood 
out past the shipping — the throng on her decks light- 
hearted and happy. 



CHAPTER XI 

On the Lonely South Pacific 
Toward Cape Horn 

American Ship Wenonah, 
Latitude 13° 20' south, longitude 80° 15' west. 

My dear Dan: I hope the tenor of this letter will not be 
melancholy, as the above heading portends; but I'll let 
that stand, as it tells briefly where we are, and whither 
bound. 

I wrote to you from Callao about a trip I made up the 
Oroya Railroad, and a bull-fight I saw in Lima; now I 
will endeavor to give you a view of life on board here, 
but despair of throwing much lightsomeness into my mood 
— the crop of incidents is meagre. We are, in truth, upon 
a waste of waters : traffic is confined either to the coast or 
to narrow belts well out to sea; and all else is arid of life. 
From the coast of South America west to Australia is the 
great Sahara of the ocean, so far as the wings of commerce 
take flight; the caravan routes of the sea between Cape 
Horn and California alone exist, and only on them is one 
ever likely to meet a sail. 

I shall divide my epistle, not into installments by days, 
but (as the French would say) into etapes — halting places 
spaced apart according to the inclination to write ; and one 
day or many may intervene between stations: in order 
that you may follow us, I will set up sign posts of latitude 
and longitude along our route. 

166 



On the South Pacific 167 

We left Callao two days ago, in cheery sunshine, under 
sail, and with a good breeze; and are now standing out 
on the port tack, with, however, the yards braced in a point 
to get better speed. We shall be in the Southeast Trades 
several days and so shall hold this tack during that time: 
it means days of somnolent motion — rising and falling to 
the long Pacific swell, and lulled by the gentle airs that 
have such a velvety touch. 

Soon after leaving harbor, we ran into the densest of 
Callao fogs, which gave us a parting saturation until 
night-fall; it was chill and dismal: at midnight it cleared 
up — yesterday was fine — and to-day is superb, but alas! 
there is little wind. 

The first days out after a long stay in port are, as you 
know, like one's return home from a summer trip — a clean- 
ing of everything that has become covered with dust, and 
a connecting of all the threads of routine that had been 
severed; the laundry and the grocer and the butcher and 
the various other purveyors of household needs must again 
be established in their periodic trips: and so, on board, 
the daily scrubbing and cleansing and inspection and 
exercise in the several drills must be renewed; all stranded 
ropes of ship routine must be spliced anew, and all separ- 
ated joints of discipline welded afresh. And such has 
been going on since we left port, so that now everything is 
ship-shape again; and order, discipline, and exercise go 
on as if there had been no break. 

Our little band of passengers are most inquisitive — 
they see everything wherever we go: I'll guarantee they 
know more about Callao than many a native; and yet 
they offend nobody by their prying and questioning; but 
on the contrary, go about it in a delicate way, like the 



168 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

doctor, who with a soft touch on your pulse, ferrets out 
your inmost working by a pleasant manner and sympa- 
thetic question. In our peregrinations we went aboard 
all the foreign ships-of-war in Callao Harbor, and so keen 
were our passengers in their scrutiny, and intelligent in 
their questioning, that if you wanted to know the peculiari- 
ties of a French, a German, or an English ship-of-war, 
none could give a more concise and accurate answer than 
Mr. Northrup, or Doctor Austin and his wife. 

The foreigners treated us with " distinguished considera- 
tion"; so, to return their hospitality, just before sailing we 
invited the Captains, Executive and other officers to break- 
fast on the Wenonah: we called the meal by that name, 
but it took place at noon and was in every sense a square 
American dinner — from soup, through fish, flesh and fowl, 
to coffee and cigars. The Germans of the party spoke 
English, so there was no difficulty in entertaining them: 
the British officers spoke English, too; but with so many 
abrupt hitches — short, disjointed, ejaculatory grunts, and 
quickly uttered bob-tailed words, that I must in all candor 
declare that the deliberate Ollendorffian enunciation of 
the Teutons was more easily understood. The French- 
men were as easily at home as in Paris; for there was 
Marguerite to whom their tongue in all its charming 
sinuosities is native; and Mrs. Austin and Adeline scarcely 
less facile with it ; then Mr. Northrup spoke it correctly if 
not fluently; and as for the Doctor and me — well, we're 
not boasting of our linguistic acquisitions, but the quick 
witted Frenchmen understood us, and — we understood 
them. I pass by the viands and service — both did credit 
to American hospitality and taste (albeit the purveyors 
are Japs) — and I come to only two dishes which wrought 



On the South Pacific 169 

the guests up to enthusiasm — the coffee and a sweet- 
potatoe pie! The coffee was from Cuzco — rich and oily, 
and with an aroma and flavor that simply made all smack 
their lips with the unctuous savour. But the potatoe pie 
— that was my piece de resistance, and none did resist it — 
even a full quarter section: each pre-empted it with the 
eagerness of a claim jumper on a mining lode. But think 
of it — pie for breakfast ! and for a Frenchman ! 

Well, I pride myself on that pie — I taught the Jap 
steward how to make it: take boiled sweet potatoes, eggs, 
and cream — beat all together, bake (no top crust), saturate 
with old Maryland rye and sprinkle with powdered sugar. 

It was a happy meal — all enjoyed it — and our guests 
went away full of joviality and good feeling, which we 
heartily reciprocated. And so endeth the first etape. 

Latitude 15° 30' south, longitude 84° 10' west. 

Truly, my dear Dan, the vicissitudes of a sailor are 
remarkable: you remember I told you that when I was on 
the Minnetonka, Flagship of the China Squadron, the 
Weehawken came out to relieve us; well, I find here a 
boatswain — Ned Gower by name — who was captain of the 
maintop on the Weehawken when I was boatswain's mate 
on the Minnetonka, and here we meet after ten years. 
Then, shortly afterward, you, as cabin boy, rounded Cape 
Horn with me in the Clipper ship Everglade; and to-day 
you are a bright marine reporter for a leading San Francisco 
paper, while I am on my way East in quest of literary 
ventures. Truly do our courses seem without guiding 
star — haphazard ! 

I told you we are going through the inland channels of 
Patagonia; it is a most unusual route for merchant vessels, 



170 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

though frequently taken by ships-of-war. Our Captain 
has never been over it, but every day he spends some time 
reading it up and studying the charts. We have a volume 
of Spanish sailing directions on board which I am reading; 
and after deducting a fair percentage for the innate 
hyperbole of the language, there still remains a terrifying 
picture of what one may expect in those channels. Here 
are a few extracts: " El tiempo es incontestablemente muy 
malo, y es probable que en ninguna parte del globo 
frecuentada por el hombre se esperimenta un tiempo peor 
en todo el curso del afio. Invierno y verano son sema- 
jantes: la lluvia, la nieve, el granizo, y el viento solo se 
ausentan por periodos breves. . . . Las observaciones 
hechas abordo de la Sylvia [a British surveying vessel] dan 
una media de once horas diarias de lluvia, nieve, y granizo 
durante los seis meses comprendidos entre Octubre y 
Abril. . . . Las observaciones de la Nassau [also a 
British surveying vessel] dan un resultado semajante. . . . 
El viento reinante es el del norte, y algunas veces sopla 
con gran furia. ... El caracter peculiar del tiempo en 
estos canales no se distingue por una escesiva fuerza de 
viento, sino como antes se ha dicho, por la lluvia casi 
constante." 

Now, this is not the inflated writing of a tourist, but the 
precise description of what trustworthy seamen have 
experienced. Swift currents — hidden rocks — entangling 
kelp — drenching rain — violent squalls — devious canals — 
thick weather — rocks — shoals! — all which I find from 
other parts of the sailing directions. I must say the pros- 
pect is not pleasing; but with a thorough knowledge of the 
conditions, and the skill to meet them — which is the 
equipment of our prudent Captain — I have no doubt we 



On the South Pacific 171 

shall get through safe. The foregoing description is 
applicable to all the Patagonian Channels and the Straits 
of Magellan that connect the Atlantic and Pacific through 
the lower part of the South American Continent. The 
length of our route through them is about seven hundred 
miles, and it will take several days to traverse it, on account 
of having to anchor every night: navigation in the dark 
would be dangerous, if not impossible; and there are 
few lights, buoys, or other aids to it, in the channels 
proper. 

And this leads me to the thought (you know I am ever 
disposed to moralize), that it is not in the easy flow of 
life — midst sunshine and green fields, the warble of birds 
and perfume of flowers — that manly qualities are culti- 
vated and character formed: no, but in the rough and 
tumble of life, as in the violence of nature's forces on the 
sea; or in the fierce contention of human activities ashore; 
where you have to struggle with all your might to keep 
from being swamped by their fury. 

I bought some Spanish books in Lima to while away 
an odd hour on this long passage : they are chiefly transla- 
tions from the French, and therefore more easily under- 
stood than if original — the briars of native idiom or the 
thorns of provincialism do not crop up in every sentence 
to scratch your interest and tax your ingenuity to unravel 
their meaning. As a rule, French novels are full of moral 
shoals and quick-sands — 'tis well to give them a wide berth : 
the pleasure they afford does not compensate for the 
danger run. 

Since my last etape, we have had fine, peaceful weather 
and gentle breezes. 

At Callao little could be done toward the systematic 



172 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

cleaning of the ship — airing bedding and scrubbing clothes 
and blankets: the frequent fog kept everything, even the 
person, in a state of half mould; but during these genial 
days the Captain is having a general house cleaning and 
airing; and with these occupations and the daily inspec- 
tions, exercises, repairs, and reeving off new gear, this 
little community is kept busy — no idle hours for socialistic 
visions. 

Latitude 22° 30' south, longitude 90° 30' west. 

To-day we are about eleven hundred miles southwest of 
Callao, and several days out from port ; for the winds have 
often been light: the last two days, however, the} 7 have 
no longer been the dry, mild Trades; but boisterous, damp, 
and squally, with a rough sea. The ship does a good deal 
of pitching and rolling, but more of that combined motion 
called corkscrew. 

We are approaching a region where many of our life- 
long notions will be reversed : to-day, at noon, the sun was 
directly overhead; and henceforth for many a day, it will 
shine to the north of us instead of to the southward. The 
icy blasts will come from the South, whereas we have been 
accustomed to regard southerly breezes as soft and warm. 
In New York, it is the east wind that brings thick weather 
with rain : here, on the coast, the east wind is dry, and clears 
the atmosphere; while the northwest winds (which in New 
York sweep the clouds away and brace the system up) 
are here the harbinger of overcast skies, rain, and storm. 
We left San Francisco toward spring — here, the same 
month is the first of autumn: one hemisphere has every- 
thing the converse of the other. 

This is indeed a happy trip for us who are merely 



On the South Pacific 173 

journeying — making a passage from one port to another 
without the responsibility and anxiety that harass those 
concerned with the means of transportation. 

Mr. Northrup is a splendid fellow — genial and affable, 
yet very dignified: he has travelled a great deal — mingled 
intimately with men — is full of anecdote, which he relates 
well — and has a great store of information, which any one 
may draw upon, but which is never ostentatiously dis- 
played. He goes among the crew and talks to them with 
the freedom of a true cosmopolitan, who has no fear of 
losing caste by letting a fellow man feel that they have 
something in common. He has that facility of manner — 
that open-hearted fellowship which, in the main, is so 
characteristic of our California life. You instinctively 
get the idea that he belongs to a superior category, but he 
never makes you feel it. It is the ease of cultivation, 
education, and refinement that characterizes him, not the 
brusque familiarity that sometimes mars the intercourse 
of our coast, and which has arisen chiefly from association 
while toiling on the same level. 

Mr. Northrup acts toward the men as if they were sensi- 
tive to pain and pleasure as he is himself, and so he is 
popular with them. He and Mrs. Austin have daily 
contests at chess, and both are expert players. 

There is a piano in the cabin, and nearly every even- 
ing we have music: the Doctor affords us pleasure 
with his fine tenor voice while his wife plays the 
accompaniment. 

This is varied by Marguerite's pretty French chansons, 
of which she has an inexhaustible supply. We have 
asked the Captain to allow such of the men as wish, to 
come aft into the saloon during these little entertainments, 



174 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

and it has been the means of contributing to the variety 
of the amusement; for we have thus discovered a couple 
of darkies with banjos, a Spaniard with a guitar, and two 
sons of the Emerald Isle who can perform a clog dance 
to my scraping of the fiddle. There is a brace of Italians 
who carol forth Neapolitan boat songs with a melody that 
is enchanting — one could almost imagine himself among 
their feluccas within sight of Vesuvius or lolling in a 
gondola on a Venetian canal. Even Mr. Northrup adds 
to the gayety of our evenings: he reads dramatic pieces 
like an actor — personates different characters so accurately 
in tone and enunciation that if you were behind a curtain 
you would say several persons were speaking. There is 
an excellent library in the saloon, and one of his readings 
draws a full house — Jack enjoys hugely his humor, or 
sentiment, or tragedy, whether in poetry, prose, or drama. 
All our little amusements attract the men and officers, 
except two, the First Mate and the Engineer — they never 
come. 

One evening I had a severe headache and went up on the 
poop: mirth and laughter filled the saloon at Mr. North- 
rup's rendering of some passages in the Innocents Abroad; 
nearly everybody on board was there — but peering down 
through the skylight stood those two worthies (the Mate 
and Engineer) like villains in the Italian opera who draw 
aside from the main action, and plot and scheme; as I 
have no doubt they were doing — there was so much cun- 
ning and scorn in their faces. 

I have left for a last word to-day, mention of the greatest 
source of happiness on board — little Adeline: forward, 
aft, everywhere, she brightens all; she has only to come 
running or skipping into any group of men for them to give 



On the South Pacific 175 

her a hearty welcome. I have been near — looking over the 
rail, apparently absorbed with wind and wave, but in 
reality with an attentive ear to all that was said and a 
sharp glance out of the corner of my eye at what was going 
on — when she was with the men; and yet, not a word or 
act ever escaped them but would be exactly the same if 
her mother were present: such is the power of youthful 
innocence over even these rough natures! In some 
respects they are like children themselves. 

Latitude 30° 10' south, longitude 94° 25' west. 

Since last writing, we passed the polar limit of the 
Trades in latitude 26° 50' south and longitude 93° 30' west: 
the winds died away like a flickering candle — a succession 
of strong puffs, when the ship would glide quickly on ; and 
then some short gasps, when our only motion was a 
monotonous oscillation to the immense ocean swell. 
There is much of resemblance in the ending of all things, 
and thus our Trade winds passed away — quietly, as one 
whose strength had long been ebbing: then a calm — the 
stillness of death. 

Steam was gotten up at once and for a day we sped on 
through tranquil waters — a clear, blue sky above, and a 
delightful atmosphere to refresh the lungs. 

We are about thirteen hundred miles due west of 
Valparaiso. Yesterday morning, soon after sunrise, the 
Captain "swung ship": you never saw this procedure — 
they seldom do it in merchant ships, but it is familiar to 
me, having seen it on the Minnetonka. 

The Wenonah is an iron vessel, and therefore a magnet; 
the compass needle is also a magnet: now if you suspend 
two magnets by threads and bring them near each other, 



176 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

they will mutually cause motion : the ship rolls and pitches 
and steers various courses — all corresponding to the mo- 
tion of one magnet which disturbs the other — the compass 
needle: it deviates from its proper direction, and the 
amount of this deviation varies with the ship's course and 
the strength of her magnetism. It is to ascertain this 
deviation that the ship is swung. The speed is reduced 
to mere steerage way, and then she is put successively on 
sixteen equidistant points and steered on each for about 
five minutes to let the ship's magnetism have full effect 
and the compass card come to rest: during this period, 
the Captain observes the bearing of the sun by means of an 
azimuth circle placed on the standard compass, and when 
satisfied that he has it accurately, he notes it together with 
the time by chronometer. 

These observations, with the ship's course and the lati- 
tude and longitude of the place, are the data from which 
by calculations of a rather laborious nature based on 
intricate mathematical formulas, the deviations of the 
compass are ascertained. 

the intelligence and acumen of man, that from the 
position of the sun in the heavens can determine exactly 
the amount his little guide is astray! 

As I have studied navigation and its related subjects 
to some extent, the mystery was not so thickly veiled to 
me as to others of our party: they were all on deck to see 
the operation and enjoy the delightful freshness of the 
morning. 

1 thought the Captain might like a little help, so I 
offered mine — I noted the time of each observation and 
kept the record of everything. The Mate observed the 
ship's head by steering compass, and the Captain himself 



On the South Pacific 177 

observed the sun's bearing and ship's head by the 
standard. 

Captain Colburn has one characteristic very prominent 
— he is thorough in whatever he does : his whole interest — 
heart and intelligence — is in it. We were nearly two hours 
swinging on sixteen points, and now when he has made the 
calculations, he can approach the stormy coast of Pata- 
gonia with full confidence in his compass courses. If 
others took equal care, there would be fewer disasters. 
He spent two hours ensuring safety, whereas without it 
he might have wrecked a million dollars' worth of cargo 
and ship, and lost many lives. 

But this was not the view our disgruntled First Mate 
took of the operation: when it was over, he said to me, 
" What damn rot this is! I've been going to sea man and 
boy for twenty years, and I never saw this done before. 
We always stood boldly in to the coast, for the compasses 
were fixed up before we left port by a man who knew his 
business. This Captain didn't have that done in San 
Francisco — he done it himself — and he's afraid they're 
all wrong, and I guess they are. I shouldn't wonder if we 
fetched up on some rock off shore; but I'll be on deck and 
keep a sharp look out — he's not going to pile my bones 
on that beach. Now, there were two hours that we might 
have made twenty miles straight on our course, instead 
of fooling them away going round a circle because he's 
frightened about the compasses. The owners don't want 
no such nonsense — 'tis money out of pocket for them, and 
I guess he'll hear of it." 

"Don't you know," said I, "that even if the compasses 
had been properly compensated by a professional adjuster 
in San Francisco, they would still be in error here, after 



178 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

such an extreme change of magnetic conditions?" 

"I know," he answered, "that when they're turned 
over to us as all right by a man who knows what he's talk- 
ing about, they are right : to monkey with them afterwards 
is to make them all wrong. If we do come to grief, it 
will be the fault of this man — he'd better have stayed ashore, 
berthing ships and handling cargo as he was doing, and let 
blue water sailing to them as know how to do it." 

I won't weary you with more of his speech; but tell you 
that before I finished I made clear even to Jacob Hawse, 
the full value of the Captain's swinging ship. I saw he 
had learned something about compass deviations, although 
sneering flings at the Captain were his only rejoinder. 

We had but a few hours more under steam after swing- 
ing ship; for a gentle breeze sprang up — sail was made — 
steam let down — and we are again gliding on, all our wings 
spread to the westerly breeze. The weather is perfect — 
clear, dry, and genial, with just a touch of freshness in the 
air. Later, these westerly winds will become stormy — 
probably roar like lions. I suppose, Dan, you are weary 
of all this wind and weather palabreria; but I am far from 
the haunts of men, and variety of incident doesn't exist. 
In this little community, the events are prescribed, and 
they occur with the regularity of the hand to the hour upon 
the dial : one day, it is an exercise at fire quarters ; another, 
a simulated man overboard; still again, a hypothetical 
abandon ship; then, airing bedding and clothes; and 
every day, it is cleaning and inspection of the ship and 
crew. 

The Captain takes his observations for longitude and 
compass error every morning and a meridian altitude at 
noon; and even the posting of this information about one 



On the South Pacific 179 

o'clock — to see where we are, and how much we have 
made in the past twenty-four hours; to speculate upon the 
prospective run and the winds during the ensuing day — 
all this is looked for as anxiously as you would for your 
morning paper full of sensational news or the carnage of 
war. 

So do trifles or tragedies interest us according to the 
conditions in which we're placed! 

This is a little realm wherein the aim of him who 
governs it is to make it run with the regularity of a mechan- 
ism; and the lubricating means to this end are largely in 
the head, heart, and fibre of him who commands. His 
personality enters powerfully in imparting character to 
everything aboard: with fair knowledge of his profession 
and painstaking, persevering endeavor — above all, if 
loyally supported by his subordinates, there is no reason 
why he should not have a well disciplined ship, equal to 
any emergency. But however competent and zealous the 
Captain may be, if he is not seconded by his subordinates, 
his efforts will generally have inadequate results, if not 
meet with dismal failure. 

You remember how slovenly things were on the Ever- 
glade, because the Captain was such, and I could make 
no headway against his lethargy: well, the converse is the 
case here — what efficiency exists (and there is a great deal), 
is attained solely by the Captain's tireless energy and watch- 
fulness against, not even stolid apathy, but active opposi- 
tion in every form it can be exerted, short of open in- 
subordination. The cat-like purring that sometimes goes 
on in his presence by some officers, has its natural claw- 
like accompaniment — mercilessly scratching and tearing 
behind his back. It fills me with indignation to see the 



180 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

game the First Mate is playing: I long to see him commit 
some open deed that the Captain can take hold of, in order 
to deal with him as he deserves. 

Latitude 32° 18' south, longitude 94° 13' west. 

More beautiful days — bright, fresh, and delightful; 
but with little wind: we are merely crawling toward our 
goal. There is a deep sense of isolation in our present 
position— as far from any land, and as remote from the 
highways of commerce, as it is possible to get: when the 
twilight of evening comes, and to the quiet of sea and air 
is added the hush of noises aboard, then, indeed, the feel- 
ing of isolation is impressive and conduces to reverie. 
At such times I light a cigar, go up on the poop, and, lean- 
ing over the taffrail, watch our wake, and think and think; 
and this is the burden of my thought — the condition of 
life on board this ship. 

Here is a man with a fine command — provided with 
every comfort a ship can afford — his will apparently 
supreme — his orders (as far as one can see) obeyed; 
everything to flatter his pride and ambition, and yet I 
believe him to be unhappy. Why is this ? A long story — 
I will merely touch on it : 

Captain Colburn is a sensitive man who enjoys with 
zest all that affords him pleasure: he also suffers acutely 
whatever gives him pain. When we left San Francisco, 
he was buoyant and cheerful and threw his whole soul into 
making the ship and crew all that the most ardent enthu- 
siast could desire. 

All went well for awhile : but eventually, the cloven foot 
appeared in the person of the First Mate; and the clear, 
wholesome stream issuing from the cabin was literally 



On the South Pacific 181 

dammed in its course — made a stagnant pool, green with 
suspicion, slimy with innuendo, and muddy with every 
lump of ridicule that could be cast into it : men and officers 
alike became infected — imbued with animosity toward the 
Captain. 

The inevitable soon followed; there was jarring in the 
whole routine of the ship — ill-will produced bad work — 
and failure marked the Captain's efforts. That was the 
second phase. Then something happened which we can 
only infer from the results; for matters again progressed 
smoothly — at least to our view — and efficiency and dis- 
cipline prevailed. 

It was the eternal struggle of ship life — who should com- 
mand — -Captain or Mate ? And I guess the latter found 
that the former intended to do so; for there is now appar- 
ent peace and good work: but beneath, I know sullenness 
and disloyalty to exist among officers and men; while the 
Captain has become reserved, severe, and irritable — 
the natural outcome of the influences working upon him. 

Pain, whether physical or mental, disposes us to find 
fault with others; and if it be recurrent, we become habit- 
ually peevish, unless blessed with the patience of Job or 
Tobias: so with our food, a bad meal puts us out of humor; 
and a succession of them breeds all the ills of indigestion 
with their reflex action on our temper and manner: 
similarly with continued failure — it so depresses its victim, 
that he finally acquires the cynical, morose nature of the 
baffled man. Let him who seldom knows an ailment, 
or him who generally gratifies his appetite with savoury 
dishes, or him who ever hears the plaudits of success, take 
the place of the man who is familiar chiefly with the 
opposites of these conditions, and see how long his suavity 



182 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

will endure! His is an exceptional nature that will not 
turn sour under continued disappointment. 

There is such a treacherous undertow in this ship, and 
the Captain is aware of it — carrying all his endeavor, if 
not toward total failure, at least toward only partial suc- 
cess — that I do not wonder he is taciturn and bitter. 

The other evening I was leaning over the taffrail as 
usual, smoking, and not far off — stationed at the life buoy 
— was one of the Irishmen who contribute so much to 
our little entertainments by their rollicking songs and 
dance. The First Mate was on watch: he approached 
the lookout and said, 

" Well, Mike, going into the saloon tonight ?" 

"Yes, sir; to be sure." 

"Then you like to make a laughing stock of yourself 
for those people ?" 

"I don't know about that, sir; all hands take a turn in 
making merriment." 

"Yes, but all hands don't feel towards you as these 
passengers do: don't you know they belong to the Know- 
nothing Party in the United States, that want to send you 
all back to English tyranny ? Why, you're no better than 
a dago. They, too, go and amuse them; and you all get 
the same pay — a glass of beer! I wouldn't make a clown 
of myself for anybody to laugh at — let the dagoes do that. 
The Irish are men — let them act like men, and not like 
monkeys to caper about for the amusement of those whose 
ancestors oppressed them and their religion." 

This, and much more in a minor key (which I didn't 
catch), was distilled into Mike's ear. The Mate knew I 
was there, so I couldn't be called an eavesdropper; on the 
other hand, his voice was so low that I presume he thought 



On the South Pacific 183 

he was not heard ; but my ears are very sharp. I suppose 
I should have moved away, but my curiosity was aroused 
to see what new discontent Hawse would stir up. 

To contradict him and set matters right might lead to 
complications which I thought best to avoid, and so after 
a few moments, I went away. 

The Captain has introduced a new arrangement for 
stowing the belongings of the crew: each man has a 
cylindrical bag about fourteen inches in diameter and 
thirty inches long made of heavy canvas — his trunk, in 
which he can keep all his traps : caps, shoes, neckerchiefs, 
socks, trousers, pea-jacket, and shirts — each piece neatly 
rolled up and tied with twine. He has also a small box 
of about a foot measurement each way, in which he keeps 
odds and ends — soap, brushes, shaving gear, sewing 
materials, old letters, photographs, and little trinkets — 
a kind of magpie's nest. His bedding is stowed in a 
hammock. 

Periodically, in fine weather, there is a field day when 
each man gets up his earthly goods, spreads them to air, 
and the Captain inspects them. Such an event occurred 
yesterday, and the ship from forecastle to quarter deck 
looked like a bazaar with this curious array; but it was 
most creditable for cleanliness and neatness: the Captain 
invited us to look at it with him, and it pleased the men 
highly to hear the praise we bestowed with entire sincerity 
on the appearance of everything. Many a pleasant word 
passed on both sides, and instead of it being a formal 
inspection, it was like an enjoyable first view of a con- 
noisseur's collection with encomiums thrown in. Of 
course Jacob Hawse calls this care for the small comforts 
of the men, treating them like children — coddling. 



184 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

This reminds me to tell you what I have done with my 
clothes : as I knew for a year that I should make this pass- 
age, I kept all my partly worn garments, especially under- 
wear, with the view of getting a final turn out of them in 
the bad weather at sea; well, their tatters strew the Pacific 
from California to Patagonia ; every night I commit a deed 
of darkness, and consign some article to the vasty deep 
without even a requiem strain. When I reach New York, 
I shall need almost a new outfit of every article that covers 
man — not that I shall be literally in the altogether upon 
arrival; but my wardrobe will be well within the hundred 
dollar limit of the Custom House. 

Latitude 35° 16' south, longitude 93° 11' west. 

A ship is an odd place to find home comforts, and yet 
I have found them here, and to greater extent than any- 
where else for many a year. 

It is a happy group that gathers round our board three 
times a day — the Captain, Doctor Austin and his family, 
Mr. Northrup, and myself. Promptly at the hour, we all 
assemble: at eight o'clock, breakfast; at half -past one, 
dinner; at half past six, supper — all in good whilom 
American style with substantial, wholesome food. No 
defrauding one's hungry maw with an egg and bit of toast 
for an early breakfast; but steak — or chops — or ham and 
eggs, with potatoes, coffee, rolls, corn bread, buckwheat 
cakes, and maple syrup — edibles to give the empty stom- 
ach something to act upon and enable a man to do his work. 

The Captain sits at the head of the table and does the 
carving, while Mrs. Austin presides over the coffee and 
tea trays — 'tis quite a family function our thrice daily 
reunion at the festive board. 



On the South Pacific 185 

Solidity of food and regularity of meals are great factors 
in a sound life: contrast their effect upon one's habits 
and manners with the influence of the vagabond browsing 
among restaurants that is becoming so common in San 
Francisco, and I suppose also in other cities where the 
exotic customs of Europe are creeping in ! A cup of coffee 
with a roll and egg any time up to noon in any eating house 
you happen to be near : in the middle of the day, perhaps a 
steak or chop according to your purse; or if this be light, 
or you have a tendency to save, some dish that keeps up the 
fraud of the morning: at night you dine at random — it 
may be to repletion; or if you are on the keen scent for 
much food for little money (as some are), you continue the 
fraud upon your health by another meagre meal. Ir- 
regularity — insufficiency — subterfuge: they break down 
good habits, deform character, and lead to irresponsibility, 
if not immorality. 

Then there is the Tip affliction: the waiter stands over 
you with the cowing look of a bandit — compelling you 
to put down an adequate fee. If not, you get scowls and 
sulks and bad food. Now all this is degrading to a man — 
it wounds his feelings and humbles his self respect — places 
him at the caprice of a creature devoid of all sense of 
obligation to do his work, actuated only by greed. From 
the eating house of low degree to the restaurant of high 
pretensions, it is all the same — the "stand and deliver" 
practice may be less brutally carried out in the latter, but 
not less effectively. The man whose digestion and senti- 
ments can survive a round of this debauchery is indeed a 
marvel of stability. Now compare such a drifting exist- 
ence with the regular, respectable life we lead here. Our 
little band has all the intimacy of a family with the natural 



186 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

spur to self control and regard for one another — nay, 
more, a tendency to mutual kindly acts — that char- 
acterize a refined home. How different from the vagrant 
feeding in public hostelries, where self assertion, aggressive- 
ness, and disregard for not only the conventionalities, 
but the barest civilities of life, are fostered — making of 
man an ill-mannered egoist, instead of a congenial 
companion. 

Our food is plain, but appetizing and nutritious; and 
the table is served with a delicacy that adds zest to all that 
is put upon it. The cook, steward, and servants are 
Japanese — little people who by nature are neat, clean, and 
even-tempered : they take all one's varying moods with the 
same imperturbability — a compliment or a harsh word 
elicits neither smile nor frown; but they go quietly on, 
attending faithfully to all their duties. They are, besides, 
honest and economical. The tipping practice is wholly 
absent, and it adds immensely to one's self-respect to have 
his little requirements fulfilled without debasement of both 
giver and receiver. 

It is a pleasure to see how these Japs attend to things 
without a word: the cleaning, sweeping, dusting, polishing, 
and arranging of articles in their accustomed places — 
all this is done with as much interest and care as if it were 
their sole thought in life to do it well. 

Latitude 42° 81' south, longitude 84° 16' west. 
This is my last etape. I shall close this letter to-day 
and send it to you from Punta Arenas in the Straits of 
Magellan. We are about five hundred miles from the 
entrance to the Patagonian Channels — the Gulf of Pefias, 
and Heaven grant it hide no treacherous rock for us! 



On the South Pacific 187 

Keep up your French and Spanish, Dan; you can't tell 
the day when they may come in handy: my stock of both 
has stood me well on many an occasion, and I have often 
been complimented on their quality. The truth is, I can 
get off a few phrases that are within easy reach, quite 
glibly: many more are in a state of somnolence, and if I 
could only awaken them to activity at the proper moment, 
they would serve me well ; but, alas ! they slumber on, and 
so by the ready utterance of a few words, I get credit for a 
reserve of fluency that I really do not possess. 

The Irishmen couldn't stand the Mate's ridicule — they 
did not come to the saloon on the evening the conversation 
took place that I related a few pages back: then the 
Spaniard dropped out — next, the negroes went — finally, 
the Neapolitans were missing; and so crumbled our little 
variety show. 

That man Hawse is an incarnate devil ! 

I scarcely believe in a single primal fiend: our own 
vicious vagaries are sufficiently explained by the evil traits 
that more or less streak us; while the wickedness from 
without is fully accounted for by such men as he. There 
isn't an imp of darkness that could devise more refined 
torments than he has for Colburn. The Captain doesn't 
speak of it — that is not necessary: we passengers are but 
lookers-on; yet we might be blind, and the strength of 
the countercurrent Hawse has set up against the Captain — 
defeating his efforts to make the ship happy and efficient, 
irritating him by petty insubordination, harassing him 
by traps, and loading him with anxiety lest he (the Mate) 
should do some dastardly deed at a critical moment — 
all this would make itself felt. 

But we're not blind, and we clearly see its effects on the 



188 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

Captain: no doubt the latter is biding his time to strangle 
the viper; and so we keep from mixing in what we might 
only muddle. 

The others wondered at the sudden collapse of our little 
amusements: the Captain was present, but made no com- 
ment — I guess he knew the reason; so when he left us, I 
explained the cause, and they are all as wrathful as I am 
toward its snaky author. Well, it is a long run yet to 
New York; and we're going to try to devise some attrac- 
tions for the men that will prove stronger than Jacob 
Hawse's taunts: I feel they do not like him — he simply 
pools their issues — a sluice to give outlet to their petty 
grievances. 

There ! I have written to you on everything I can think 
of regarding life on board. We passengers are jovial 
and happy; and the Captain has a happy moment, too, 
when at meals, or enjoying a cigar with us on the poop. 

And so good bye. I shall go up on deck and watch the 
albatrosses. The weather is rough and stormy — the ship 
is bounding: over the huge billows — and the albatrosses 
are following all the watery undulations with evident 
pleasure, or sweeping in graceful convolutions through the 
air. 

Your sincere friend, 

George Brooks. 



CHAPTER XII 

The Boatswain 

Hark you, Bear! you are a coward, 
And no Brave, as you pretended: .... 
Bear! you know our tribes are hostile, 
Long have been at war together; .... 
Had you conquered me in battle, 
Not a groan would I have uttered; 
But you, Bear! sit here and whimper .... 
Like a wretched Shaugodaya! 

— Longfellow. 

The letter of our literary passenger, George Brooks, 
forming chapter eleven, brings the narrative down to within 
a few days' run of the coast; so the story will be resumed 
here. 

In almost every ship there are representatives of well 
marked types; they may be among the crew or among the 
officers: The man who will perform duty only under 
surveillance — the shirk who has to be driven ; and the goad 
must be applied often. Or again, the man who antici- 
pates an order — the most exasperating type of person on 
board; he interrupts you with a testy assurance that he 
understands ere the order is half uttered; or he even sup- 
plies the words you would speak, as if a mere hint or 
intimation were all that was necessary for his quick 
intelligence. He is impatient of explanatory details and 

189 



190 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

eager to get beyond control. It is only natures full of 
vanity that act thus : do they perform duty well ? Never. 
They have not character enough to do anything thor- 
oughly; and when brought to task for delinquencies, they 
give the glib excuse, that they did not understand! O 
but they make a commanding officer writhe with their 
fatuous conceit ! Or still again, the man who seeks favors 
and privileges by flattering artifices — that smooth, glossy 
address that is all things to all men, the contemptible 
degenerate of tactful action. Or finally, the man streaked 
with deceit — who will listen with apparent interest to all 
you say — will signify his assent by a cheerful "Aye, aye, 
sir" — and then go and either not do your bidding at all, 
or only in part, or wholly according to his own view: he 
trusts to the matter being forgotten; or, at worst, that he 
can make a plausible excuse; and meanwhile his craving 
to have his own way has been gratified. 

In striking contrast with these traits were those of one 
man aboard the Wenonah — the Boatswain, or Bo'sun, as 
it is pronounced by seamen; a man whom Jacob Hawse 
could neither awe nor browbeat. Ned Gower was the 
name by which he was known on the ship; but this was 
only a mask to his identity, as is often the case with those 
who go to sea with something to conceal. 

Gower was tall, well-built, and powerful — a man of 
fine physique, fine presence, and agreeable manners. 
His speech was correct, and his actions those of a person 
who had received a good early training. He was intelli- 
gent, and had a stock of information that surprised all who 
conversed with him. His control of the men was absolute ; 
but it was not due to the authoritative way in which he 
gave orders so much as to the tone of geniality that tern- 



The Boatswain 191 

pered them; the men respected and admired him; he was, 
besides, a thorough seaman, and this enhanced their 
regard for his personal qualities. He was never spurred 
to unusual effort by the presence of either Captain or Mate : 
neither was he obsequious if commended by them. He 
could be trusted in the darkness of night, with no eye near, 
to do as well what he had to do, as in the light of day with 
all hands looking on. When directions of any kind were 
given him, he listened to every detail; and wherein he 
failed to understand, he did not hesitate to ask for explana- 
tion. Deceit formed no part of his nature, nor did he resort 
to any tricks to make things seem other than they were; 
but in all things was true, honest, and thorough. 

Why did such a man fill the lowly place of Boatswain ? 
"Rum done it!" — as it has done to many more — weaken- 
ing their will, paralyzing their ambition, brutalizing their 
manners, and destroying every taste except that for drink. 
With Ned Gower the temptation was strong — the resist- 
ance weak. 

Ashore, he lost one good place after another, until at 
twenty-five he was so addicted to drink that he could no 
longer get employment. Then he entered the Navy and 
served on several ships; eventually he drifted into the 
merchant marine where he hoped some day to attain com- 
mand after conquering the appetite that wrecked his early 
years. 

In his varied service, he had seen almost every degree 
of nautical efficiency and discipline, from the ship in which 
thoroughness was dominant to that in which subterfuge 
prevailed. On the Sloop-of-war Keewaydin, for example, 
he had seen the bell rung for Fire Quarters, and ere its 
short, sharp notes had died away, several streams of water 



192 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

were playing over the rail: in an incredibly short time hose 
had been coupled, nozzles screwed on, pumps rigged, and 
three hundred men startled from their occupations in 
different parts of the ship and marshalled into the regular- 
ity and order that the fire bill required. To the audience 
this was the perfection of drill and discipline; but the 
Boatswain had been behind the scenes — he had heard the 
word quietly passed that there was going to be fire quar- 
ters — he had seen spanners concealed under shirts — and 
knots of men gathered all over the deck, ready to spring 
to pump-brakes and hose reels, whose covers were re- 
moved and lashings cast adrift: the stroke of the bell was 
to the manoeuvre but the electric spark to the mine — 
the on-lookers heard only the explosion and saw the air 
filled with stones, but they recked not of all the preparation 
that led up to this result. 

And so, too, at General Quarters: the battery was 
practically cast loose and provided before the tap of the 
drum ceased ; during the exercise, the main yard, weighing 
tons, was fished with small stuff and splints that would 
scarcely support a broken arm — time, two minutes. 
Similarly, with Armed Boats: falls were clear on deck 
ready for running, with crews standing in most convenient 
proximity to the articles they had to provide at the bugle 
call. Likewise with Man Overboard : the life boat's crew 
was in readiness, eagerly waiting the alarm to spring into 
the boat — the man at the buoy ready to drop it, the long 
painter in the bow clear for slipping, toggle well greased, 
plug in, and all other appliances prepared for picking up 
the unfortunate, even before he struck the water! And 
finally, Sail Exercise, and Up (or Down) Topgallant and 
Royal Yards: gilguys were used to such extent that the 



The Boatswain 193 

light yards could be sent down by manipulation of a num- 
ber of small lines from the tops. 

All this looked well, and read well in a report; and the 
ship was cited throughout the squadron as a model of 
smartness — to be emulated, like the good boy of the village ; 
although in reality both ship and boy might be the most 
vicious examples of their respective kinds. 

But it is all a fraud — dry rot eating into the organiza- 
tion, as worms bore into trees. Such a ship has for her 
Executive a sleuth who scents out every drill or exercise 
that the Captain intends to have without warning; and 
then prepares for it so that the essential work is done before- 
hand. Result — the First Lieutenant gets the reputation 
of being a smart officer, full of resources, born to handle 
men, a thorough organizer, and an excellent disciplinarian 
— are not the exercises on record to prove it ? 

Of course it needs only a sudden drill — a real surprise 
in the midst of the daily duties, to expose the sham. 

The injury of such procedure is not only to efficiency and 
discipline, but also to the moral fibre of the men — teaching 
the attainment of ends by trickery : it destroys the distinc- 
tion between right and wrong; for if well ground into either 
officer or man as a system regarding drills and exercises, 
it does not stop there; but like the corroding acid dropped 
on cloth, spreads and eats its way until the whole fabric is 
rotten. 

Nor can it be justified by the plea that all is fair in war. 
In the first place, it is not in war that it is practised, but 
in the preparation for war during a time of peace; and all 
preparation — all drill and instruction looking to war as an 
end, should be on solid ground, not undermined by quick- 
sands. In the second place, it is positively dishonorable 



194 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

to teach men to gain advantage by fraud ; and what is dis- 
honorable, is fair neither in war nor in peace. Yet, those 
who practise this art of dry rot do not regard it as dishonor- 
able — they simply think it smart, something to be proud 
of and copied : their idea is merely to get ahead — to outwit 
or outstrip some one in the race for reputation — rather, 
for notoriety; and the moral aspect of the case does not 
occur to them. But it is vicious and degrading none the 
less, and whoever adopts it as his course of action can lay 
no claim to thoroughness, honor, or sincerity. And many 
who do practise it — how they would fume if their honor 
were impugned ! Dishonorable ? O no : to them it is only 
a trait that denotes the man capable of taking care of him- 
self! Their idea of honor reminds one of the youth at 
college who deems his honor above reproach; yet who 
stealthily copies his lesson on the blackboard from a pre- 
pared resume, and palms it off as the acquisition of hard 
study. 

From the sham performances of the Sloop-of-war 
Keewaydin, Gower could turn with pleasure to memories 
of the Frigate Winnebago, where honesty and thorough- 
ness characterized drills, discipline, and dealing with the 
men. 

Jacob Hawse, First Mate of the Wenonah, was the very 
embodiment of nautical dry rot: not that he was incom- 
petent — quite the contrary; he was both intelligent and 
equal to the performance of any duty of a seaman; and in 
matters pertaining to the sea, his judgment (when not 
warped by some controlling motive) was sound; but deceit 
was ingrained in his nature and impelled him, as a rule, 
to attain his ends by craft. 

By preparing in advance for everything, so that when the 



The Boatswain 195 

curtain rose upon his performance it should redound to his 
credit, the crew had become imbued with the same spirit: 
the spectre of sham and show was ever stalking about the 
decks. If the Captain came from his cabin and told the 
Mate that he wanted to take a look under the to 'gallant 
forecastle, the Mate found it urgent to engage his atten- 
tion with something on the quarter deck for a few minutes : 
meanwhile a nod to one of the men told him the part he 
had to play — he ran forward and had things put to rights 
in such haste that when the Captain and Mate appeared, 
everything was neat and orderly ; and the Captain could not 
but think that such was their normal condition, whereas 
the direct opposite was the case. 

The Mate, desirous of gaining the good will of the men 
as well as of worrying the Boatswain (whose domain the 
forecastle naturally was), let them litter and use it as they 
pleased after inspection: it was often in disorder, even 
dirty — sprinkled with half-smoked tobacco, and foul with 
the smell of old pipes, notwithstanding that the Captain 
had forbidden smoking there at any time. 

The men disliked the Mate, but they also feared him; 
and to save themselves from his petty tyrannies, they 
would readily do his bidding — when under his eye. He 
had a nod, or a wink, or a grimace of some kind that con- 
veyed to them as clearly under different circumstances 
what they were to do, as the numbers in the signal book 
denote the manoeuvres of a squadron. 

The Mate never liked the Boatswain: the two were 
representative of opposite modes of action; one was the 
embodiment of deceit — the other, the soul of straight- 
forwardness, and there was ever between them the act and 
feeling of cat and dog. 



196 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

But notwithstanding this, the Boatswain had many a 
happy hour : he was full of anecdote — the stock in trade of 
every sailor, and which has become threadbare in the telling; 
yet they were new and unique to the passengers; and the 
Doctor and Mr. Northrup always sought the Boatswain 
when they wanted a hearty laugh, and they came away 
full of good humor and happiness. Besides, he could talk 
well and intelligently on many subjects — with the keen 
insight of a man of sound common sense. 

His repertory had two distinct categories: when a guide 
takes a party through the ruins of Pompeii, if the visitors 
are all men, they see everything; but if of both sexes, he 
politely says at certain points of the route, " Restez, mes- 
dames — entrez, messieurs "; and so with the Boatswain — 
he had stories for all ; and there were others — full of direct- 
ness, but which would have to be softened by round-about 
phrase if related to mesdames. 

During the passage the Mate nagged the Boatswain in 
all those small despicable ways that one in authority can 
practise, without doing anything that will sound like a 
harshness when related. It is in the look — the gesture — 
the tone of voice, that the sting of man is located: there, 
exist the fangs that will inject such venom into the blood 
of a fellow man as may impel him to murder. 

Short of this, such petty tortures are like the oft repeated 
bite of a gnat — they inflame the flesh and make the feel- 
ings raw and sore; and this was the condition into which 
the Mate had gotten the Boatswain by his eternal nagging. 

One morning, when about three hundred miles from the 
coast of Patagonia, the weather was very squally and the 
sea rough. It had rained heavily for several hours — 
everything was saturated, and the rigging was swollen and 



The Boatswain 197 

stiff. The ship was running a point free under to 'gallant 
sails and single reefed topsails. A heavy squall loomed 
in the horizon — one of those stiff winds that lash the waves 
into whitened foam and grow in violence as they approach. 
The First Mate had the deck — the hissing sound in the 
distance was ominous of the fury at hand, and Hawse had 
ample time to prepare for it ; but he chose to show his bold- 
ness by holding on — to take in sail only at the instant of 
something about to carry away— a sail to split, or a mast 
to crack: he wanted to display the skill of the horseman 
who spurs his steed to within a yard of the goal, and then 
reins in, throwing the animal on his haunches. The Mate 
was a competent seaman, but this time he all but failed 
through reckless daring. With the sound of seething 
waters the squall bore down on him — still he held on, and 
it all but struck the ship when he gave orders to let go the 
to 'gallant halliards and put the helm up. The main and 
mizzen came down without a hitch, but the fore stuck, and 
there was danger that the yard and mast would go by the 
board ere the ship could get before the wind. 

One of those unavoidable accidents had happened — 
a kink got into the halliards at the leading block, and the 
whole wet coil jammed at the kink. A man was doing his 
utmost to rid the tangle, and the Boatswain was tugging 
with might and main to straighten out the coil. The 
Mate jumped forward, and seeing the accident, roared, 
"You damned lubber — you're not fit to be Boatswain!" 

The latter dropped the rope, and with the ferocity of a 
tiger sprang upon the Mate — gripped him round the 
throat — and backed him up against the ship's side: 

"You call me a lubber — you white livered coward! 
I have you now where I'll tell you what you are — a black- 



198 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

hearted Judas Iscariot! You come forward and tell the 
men the Captain's no sailor — knows nothing about winds — 
doesn't even know his own mind — and if it weren't for 
you, the ship would go to hell : then you go aft and talk to 
him on the other tack. Yesterday, I heard the Captain 
tell you to keep those empty barrels, and last night what 
did you do ? You ordered the cook to throw them over- 
board, snarling at him ' Never mind what the Captain says 
— do as I tell you.' What do you come on deck for every 
night after two bells and sneer at the night orders and 
leave word to call you in case of bad weather — what do 
you do this for ? Every man of us knows it is to discredit 
the Captain. If a thing goes wrong, you say 'tis his fault : 
you'd have the ship under royals when he reefs, or bowling 
along under topsails when he lays-to; O you're a bold 
sailor — when he has the responsibility ! You and the other 
Mates and Engineer are banded together. When a man 
is within hearing, you tell the Captain he's a hard worker 
and good seaman — but when you think him out of earshot, 
he's a lazy lout and beach comber. Then you try to curry 
favor with the crew — you don't do what the Captain wants. 
Why are you constantly saying 'O that is Navy style!' 
You know it angers the men to have their customs changed 
— they want no Navy ways — they're suspicious, and jealous 
of their own. There's one thing clear — you hate the 
Captain. Trim about as you will, you have one course in 
view — to make him out unjust, weak, and ignorant of the 
sea. The men know you, and neither trust you, nor 
believe you — nor does the Captain, either, for that matter: 
since Callao, we see the wind's been veering against you." 
At every new charge, the Boatswain tightened his grip on 
the Mate's throat until his tongue came out thick and dry 



The Boatswain 199 

and his eyes were bloodshot — the venom of long nagging 
was in Gower's blood — tingling in his finger tips — burning 
into Hawse's flesh — eager to strangle him once for all. 

The watch dropped everything and crowded around — 
gloating over the choking their enemy was getting. Finally, 
the Boatswain finished with : " Now you know that every 
man in the ship knows what you are — a mean double- 
faced liar! If you had any grit, you'd jump the ship at 
the next port; and to help you do it — take that!" flinging 
him to the deck, with a final word, " I'll give you a chance 
to square yards with me at Sandy Point." 

Then the Boatswain turned to the coil of to 'gallant 
halliards to straighten it out. 

Meanwhile, the ship had got before the wind, the squall 
was disarmed of its force, and the sail, yard, and mast held. 

The Mate got up — humiliated — but with black rage 
in his face, and hissed through his clenched teeth: 

"Yes, I'll get even with you yet." And he went aft 
without another word. 

Gower felt a load lifted — a buoyancy that only the 
removal of an oppressive weight can give. For weeks, 
Hawse let no opportunity pass for harassing him ; he found 
fault with everything — pursued him into every occupation, 
and pecked and pecked. Even where no cause for blame 
existed, he concocted one. 

Gower had been steadily filling up with anger and 
resentment, and now the score was wiped clean with a single 
sweep of the sponge, and to his entire satisfaction: more 
than that, he even felt that he had the whip hand, and 
though it was not in his nature to apply the lash to a 
prostrate foe, still he knew that the days of the Mate's 
tyrannies were over. 



200 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

And the Mate knew he was down, and that the fallen 
idol has no worshippers. But a minute ago, and he held 
these men in the hollow of his hand — through fear, to be 
sure; but still he held them like dogs in leash ready to 
spring at his word: now he was stripped of authority, 
and the sceptre was in their hands, to wield as caprice 
might dictate. He would never again dare treat them 
with his whilom harshness; he should now mellow his 
speech — it must in fact be almost " If you please." 

Instead of trampling rough-shod on their feelings, he 
must cautiously pick his steps, lest the crop of nettlesome 
thorns so suddenly sprung up, prick, and remind him that 
he was in their power. 

It was a great fall — for him ; for he was arrogant, greedy 
for power, and happy in its display, To give an order 
and see a human puppet jump, brought sparkle to his eye. 

He had been the proud lion whose roar was feared — 
now he was the slinking cur that any one might kick. 

But to be shorn of his prestige was not what stung him 
most: it was the danger to his scheme for ousting the Cap- 
tain and getting the ship himself when they reached New 
York. What the Boatswain did, would be spread about; 
for gossip — highly colored and full of malice — is ever rife 
among those who follow the sea; and ere the ship should 
be a day in port, this many tongued reptile would have 
spumed its venom throughout the whole seafaring com- 
munity. This would dash his hopes for the Wenonah, 
and herein lay his deepest regret. 

Ever since leaving Callao, he feared the Captain sus- 
pected the worst about him : Colburn was no longer frank 
and genial as at first; but confined his speech to matters 
pertaining to the ship — principally, orders that admitted 



The Boatswain 201 

of no comment. The firm footing he had with the Cap- 
tain during the early days had slipped away, and he was 
now on thin ice which might break at any point and close 
over him in chilling discomfiture — danger above and 
danger beneath, which required all his subtle craft to tread 
without harm. 

The Mate's game had been running admirably — he was 
winning at every venture — it made him bold — he staked 
more — he even undertook at one time (as has been seen) 
to countermand the Captain's orders — when, lo! with all 
the gain piled on a single number, the wheel passed it and 
stopped at the next! Self-reliant pride wrought disaster. 

Pride, like anger, is a fiery steed : in its headlong course, 
it risks both stumble and pitfall — the Mate lost all prudence 
in elation over a show of seamanship ; but the fore to 'gallant 
yard stuck — he uttered a single word, "lubber!" — the 
Boatswain throttled him — and in a minute he lost all that 
disloyalty, deceit, and craft had won! This was the 
thought that goaded him far more than the humiliation of 
his manhood. 

When he reached the quarter deck, he set the sails again 
and got the ship on her course. An hour later, when the 
Captain came on deck to take the morning observations, 
the Mate met him with a self-possessed front, as if he had 
not been choked within an inch of his life while listening to 
a kind of ante-mortem obituary. 

Throughout the day and during subsequent days, he 
pondered and planned : the bird had once been his — it had 
simply eluded his grasp — he would catch it again ; and the 
net to snare it occupied the busy weaving of his brain 
until the ship reached Punta Arenas in the Straits of 
Magellan. 



CHAPTER Xin 

Stormy Weather off the Coast of Patagonia 

The grizzled north 
Disgorges such a tempest forth, 
That as a duck for life that dives, 
So, up and down, the poor ship drives. 

— Shakespeare. 

After the squally weather of the last chapter, the wind 
veered to the southward and then to the eastward, grad- 
ually falling light the while, and becoming soft and balmy — 
some strata of the Trades that had wandered from their 
genial zone and were striving to regain it. 

The wind was fitful, however; and there was continual 
trimming of the sails to profit by every puff: hours of calm 
succeeded other hours of evident aerial conflict in some 
region not far off. 

The calms increased, the sky was streaked with only 
filmy clouds, the sea scarcely heaved; but all this quiet 
boded no good in these latitudes — it was wholly unusual. 

Toward evening of a day of such unnatural conditions, 
all the appearances of a change became better defined: 
the undulations of the sea from the southeast had become 
mere ripples against the bold front of a long regular 
swell from the west — a puny attempt to cross and confuse 
it; heavy banks of rounded bulky form loomed up in the 
southwestern horizon — their darkness in threatening 

202 



Stormy Weather off Patagonia 203 

contrast with the feathery film that still brightened the 
eastern sky; the wind became flighty — it jumped from 
point to point — it sighed, it gasped, it fell altogether; then 
it rose again to a strong blast, only to relapse as before 
after temporarily ruffling the smoothness of the water. 
Sea and air were restless and ominous of evil: the human 
feelings partook of the unrest, and nervous irritability 
seized upon all aboard. 

The ship was under a cloud of canvas, and she rolled 
deeply to a long beam swell from the southwest — every 
swing to and fro filling the sails or bringing them flapping 
to the mast. Night had fallen, the sky was black with 
clouds, and though the moon was only just waning from 
the full, still it was so hidden that the darkness could 
hardly be greater. At times the air was warm and moist, 
and again a fresh chill ran through it. 

The ship was making little toward her port, and 
after hours of trimming the sails to every shift of wind, 
the Captain decided that the gain was not worth the wear 
and tear on the men, so he ordered the royals and courses 
taken in and furled and the yards counter braced. Be- 
sides, he did not trust the threatening appearances and 
falling barometer. 

Mr. Northrup and Brooks were standing in the star- 
board gangway watching the weather, and not far off was 
the First Mate talking to the Engineer. 

" What do you think of the weather, Mr. Hawse ?" asked 
Northrup. 

"O nothing will come of this: a puff — a shower — and 
then moderate southwest breezes. When you come on 
deck in the morning, you'll find us bowling toward the 
Gulf of Penas, with a clear sky." 



204 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

"Well, so much for professional knowledge, Brooks — 
the opinion of an expert: now, to my lay mind, there is 
every indication of a storm." 

"I should think so, too," remarked Brooks. 

At this juncture they heard the order from the poop to 
take in and furl the to 'gallant sails; upon which Hawse 
exclaimed: "Hell! we'll never get to New York at this 
rate: better set the royals and courses — these squalls are 
nothing." 

The physician's prescriptions are scrutinized by the 
apothecary and trained nurse, who can thence infer some- 
what of the disease and the fitness of the medicine; but 
both generally keep a silent tongue, even if doubtful of 
the entire appropriateness of the remedy to the ailment: 
so, on board ship, the seamanship of the commanding 
officer is ever open to the view of his subordinates, many 
of whom are quite competent to criticize it, and are in no 
way reluctant to do so. But while doctors sometimes 
disagree, it is rare for two men of the sea to be in accord 
on any matter of a nautical nature — the proper manoeuvre 
for any given conditions, or the seamanlike way of per- 
forming it : their profession is a positive one — individualism 
is intense as to methods of procedure, and this precludes 
much agreement as to whether, for example, one should 
lie-to or run, wear or box-haul, in any given case. To 
coincide with another's views in such matters savours of 
conceding superior knowledge or judgment to that other, 
and this would never do — it would detract from the asser- 
tion of self. 

The sailor is a growler, and this proneness to mere fault- 
finding so tinctures his opinions as to rob them of much of 
their value as indicating standards of procedure. It is 



Stormy Weather off Patagonia 205 

an instance wherein expert opinion is often misleading; 
so that Hawse's censure of the Captain for taking in sail, 
should be received with a large grain of salt, and would be 
by most seamen. 

Mr. Northrup did not like the Mate's comment, so he 
said: 

"Daring in a case of necessity with a full appreciation 
of the perils of a situation is very commendable; but blind 
rashness, when there is no great urgency, has often in 
it the spirit of bravado. Now it is evident that these sails 
have done little good for some time; and for that reason I 
should think it wise to make them snug before a possible 
gale. Besides, I don't agree with you about the weather: 
though not a professional sailor, I have made several 
voyages in different parts of the world; and that sky, to 
my mind, has a strong warning aspect. I should there- 
fore call it prudence and not timidity that actuated the 
Captain." 

"O possibly: he's very careful," replied the Mate, 
trimming his own sails to the unexpected rebuff, and 'pass- 
ing from the group. A friendly word at the right moment 
(like Northrup 's) often stops an unfavorable comment 
from swelling into a torrent of abuse. 

The night advanced, but the ship did not: she rolled 
and pitched, and with every scend, the sails tugged at their 
clews as if to tear them from the bolt ropes. 

The passengers went to their staterooms, but not to 
sleep — the irregular motion of the vessel was too uncom- 
fortable: there was little or no wind, and the lumpy sea 
communicated all its roughness to the ship, so that she 
seemed bumping and jolting over the huge cobble stones 
of some titanic highway. 



£06 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

Mr. Northrup and Brooks could bear it no longer: they 
had been rolled from side to side of their berths until, 
nauseated and skin sore, they lost all hope of rest; so they 
got up and went on deck. It was midnight, and the shrill 
pipe and lugubrious voice of the Boatswain turning out the 
watch below, resounded throughout the forecastle. 

The Captain was on the poop — he had not turned in at 
all, as it was evident from the scowling aspect of both sky 
and sea that a storm was brewing. 

Suddenly, a blinding flash in the southwest illuminated 
the night with all its electric brilliancy, and a peal of crash- 
ing thunder reverberated through the clouds. It was a 
rent — a crash that almost shattered the nerves — so sudden, 
so violent was the bolt. There was but one, as if a sum- 
mons to swing open some massive gates to the gale; for it 
burst almost immediately — hissing like a legion of serpents : 
it struck the ship — she heeled over — soon partly righted, 
and then sped on under its impulse. Only topsails, jib, 
and spanker were set when the wind rose, and with it 
abaft the beam, the ship made good speed on her course — 
still plunging and rolling. The wind stiffened and 
brought heavy rain, which did not merely fall, but pelted 
the flesh — the cut of a lash could not sting more. 

Mr. Northrup and Brooks sought shelter under the break 
of the poop where they could watch the storm and still 
be protected from the rain. 

"Lucky the ship was not caught under all sail by that 
squall," said Northrup. 

"Yes, it is," answered Brooks: "the Captain's foresight 
proved more accurate than the Mate's; though, in reality, 
I think if he had been in the Captain's place last evening, 
he would have reduced sail and made everything snug, 



Stormy Weather off Patagonia 207 

just as the Captain did. His remark was prompted more 
by a desire to discredit him than because his judgment 
differed with him : it is only a mean nature that will try to 
build up a reputation on the ruins of another's good name." 

"I think so, too, "replied Northrup: "his conduct toward 
the Captain is a puzzle to me. At times I have seen him 
subordinate and respectful — a manner that would inspire 
any commanding officer with trust in him; and again, I 
have seen him surly and curt — inject into his look and 
bearing that streak of coarse temper which stops just short 
of the overt act — which cannot be adequately described 
or defined, but which in reality constitutes the gravamen 
of the offence." 

The gale had greatly increased ; the rain was still falling, 
but not in such quantity as at first; and rifts in the clouds 
occasionally let the moon shine through and light up the 
wild waste of waters. Like a savage beast foaming with 
rage, each sea spent its fury on the ship — she plunged and 
rose — and, the shock past, she stood quivering for the next 
onset; and so she proceeded — diving, rising, rolling, twist- 
ing, following tremulously every ridge and furrow of those 
gigantic undulations. Looking up at the masts, one could 
see them trace every variety of curve with swift flight 
across the clouds, and all in huge dimensions. 

Here was a violence of force — an immensity of strength 
that man's most powerful effort was puny in comparison 
with. The ship's course brought wind and sea on the 
quarter — the worst possible, and it was evident that the 
danger of scudding was hourly increasing. The barometer 
was still falling, and more rapidly — indicating a quicker 
growth of the storm. 

The Captain was on the poop, and the watch stood in 



208 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

little knots about the deck in lee of the masts and rail. 
Their yellow sou 'westers gave little comfort against this 
southwest gale; for though a mailed coat to rain, they 
afforded no protection against the chill that streaked this 
wind from the icy pole. It was not the southwest breeze 
of the other hemisphere — soft, and moist, and warm — the 
breath of equatorial zones; but the counterpart of the 
harsh, raw blast that comes out of the north in boreal 
regions. 

Soon the two passengers from their sheltered spot under 
the poop heard the Captain give the order to reef topsails. 
The maintopsail yard was braced in and suitably laid for 
the purpose; the men jumped into the rigging, and in an 
instant were aloft and laying out on the yard, the leading 
ones taking their places at the head earings astride the 
yard. The sail was bellying out stiff with wind, but a 
few spokes of helm made it shake, and then the two pas- 
sengers heard above the roar of the wind that lugubrious 
sound from the weather yard arm — "Light out to wind- 
ward!" and, in the moments of moonlight between the 
driving clouds, they saw every back straighten to haul the 
sail out so that the head-earing could be passed. The 
ship was kept slightly luffing the while. Then — "Haul 
out to leeward!" and the lee-earing was passed, the points 
tied, and the area of the maintopsail had been reduced by 
two reefs. The men lay in and down from aloft; and the 
yard was hoisted and squared. Then the mizzen was close 
reefed, and the foretopsail double reefed. The fore stay- 
sail and foot of the spanker were the only sails set at this 
time, besides the topsails. 

There was something grand to Mr. Northrup in this 
spectacle of human strength, skill, and intelligence pitted 



Stormy Weather off Patagonia 209 

against the might of terrific force — the few men on the 
yards, beaten by rain, benumbed by raw, chilling wind, 
now quivering on the crest of a wave, and now buried in 
its trough — plunging, rolling, and pitching with every wild 
sweep of their foot-hold, and withal tenaciously wrenching 
safety for their cockleshell against the violence of the gale. 
Brooks could appreciate it to the full — he had been there, 
too — it fired his blood to enter into strife with the elements 
— and it was with no slight effort that he restrained his 
impulse to lay aloft and lend a hand. 

The rain lapsed into a mere spiteful spitting, the clouds 
broke up and drove in ragged masses across patches of blue 
starry sky, but the wind shrieked louder and stronger, 
and the seas were heavier. 

Again — " Reef topsails!" and this time the fore and main 
were close reefed and the mizzen furled and well lashed 
to the yard: lashings were also put on the other sails that 
had been furled. Storm sails were broken out and bent, 
preventer braces put on the weather yard arms, life lines 
stretched along the decks, hatches battened down, and 
everything movable was securely lashed. 

The barometer was still falling, even more rapidly 
than ever; a very dangerous sea was running — billow after 
billow came up astern — they seemed higher than the royal 
yards — and about to topple in a cataract upon the ship's 
deck as she lay for a moment in the yawning trough, 
until they proceeded onward and lifted her to their crest. 
The iron bound coast of Patagonia — a lee shore! — was 
not far distant if the reckoning was correct; and if not — if 
the ship had over-run (as was most likely the case), it 
would then be hazardous in the extreme to drive on before 
this gale in the darkness of night: the Captain, therefore, 



210 The Voyage or the Wenonah 

decided to lay the ship to the wind. The foretopsail was 
furled and lashed to the yard; the storm mizzen set, and 
spanker taken in; fore storm staysail hoisted instead of 
the head sail carried until that time ; main topsail braced 
up a little; helm put down at an opportune moment; and 
the ship came easily up till the wind was just forward of 
the beam, and there she lay — falling off, coming to, drift- 
ing to leeward, rising and falling with each succeeding sea 
as gracefully as the albatrosses that rode the waves about 
her. 

It was now nearly four o'clock — a dismal, cold, raw, 
tempestuous morning, with a leaden sky and a wild foamy 
sea. 

Mr. Northrup and Brooks were about to seek their state- 
rooms again with the hope that exhaustion, at least, would 
bring on sleep, when they heard the Captain say in an 
undertone to the First Mate who had just come on deck 
for his morning watch: "Mr Hawse, I will send a few 
bottles of whiskey to your room — the men are all wet, 
and have had a hard watch — I wish you would call them 
in, a couple at a time, and give them a good drink to warm 
them up before turning in." 

"Very well, sir," answered the Mate: "that will go to 
the right spot, and warm their hearts toward you, also." 

Mr. Northrup 's room was adjoining the Mate's quarters, 
and as he lay in his berth, unable to sleep, he heard the 
men come in, each get his three fingers' gauge from the 
Mate with the admonition: "Now don't go slouching 
around the old man — I don't want him smell that on you 
and ask where you got it." 

"All right, sir — I won't give nobody away"; and on the 
way out to the deck, as he met the next applicant for 



Stormy Weather off Patagonia 211 

spirituous consolation, he remarked — "The Mate's a 
brick." 

All day the storm raged with unabated fury: no sun, 
but driving clouds with sleet. 

As always happens in a seaway, a number of moderate 
waves followed one another with regular uniformity, and 
these the ship would ride beautifully; but then surged along 
an abnormal combing mass — a rude intrusion into the 
rhythmical sequence of even a storm, which broke upon the 
ship's side with a stunning thud, topped the rail with its 
crest, and swept the decks with yeasty foam. Everything 
was wet — wet through and through — soaked; and the 
running rigging was so stiff that the men could hardly 
straighten it out: there were kinks and refractory bends 
from bow to stern — all typical of the First Mate's temper. 

Mr. Northrup remarked to him : " Well, Mr. Hawse, 
there was something after all in last night's indications; 
we are not bowling along on our course now, nor does there 
seem to be much prospect of doing so soon, as you said." 

" If I had command, we'd be making ten knots an hour 
direct for the Gulf of Penas, under to 'gallant sails: this is 
no storm to be laying-to for — wasting time," growled the 
Mate. 

" Your opinion is not shared by some of the seamen, at 
any rate," answered Mr. Northrup. "I was on deck all 
night until the ship was laid to the wind; and I heard the 
seaman at the wheel and the one who later got astride of 
the weather yard arm while reefing, say that the gale was 
one of the heaviest they had ever seen; and that the sea 
in particular was the most dangerous they had ever at- 
tempted to run before: they wondered how much longer 
the Captain was going to keep on; and this was an hour 



212 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

or more before the ship lay-to. After going below, I 
couldn't sleep, and I heard one man coming out of your 
room say to another who was evidently looking for some- 
thing — ' In here, Mike, you'll get a drop for that weather 
earing.' 'By — that was a tough job,' answered the other. 
I recognized the voices as those of the two seamen already 
spoken of: they are, no doubt, among the most capable 
and experienced in the ship, or they would not have such 
important stations in a critical period." 

The Mate found it necessary to busy himself at once 
with ship's matters; and Mr. Northrup walked away, 
jotting down another mental note to his discredit. 

On the poop, Northrup met the Captain, who looked 
haggard and worn — he had slept but a few hours during 
the forenoon. 

"Captain, this is quite a contrast with a few days ago." 

" Yes," replied Colburn; " but it is what we must expect: 
the coast of Patagonia is a stormy region. The wind will 
be mostly between south and west — raw at times, but 
always strong. We shall have no more of those soft days 
of the Trade Wind zone until we enter the same belt in 
the Atlantic." 

"It will be pretty hard on your little crew, if last night 
is a foretaste of it," said Northrup. 

" O it will not all be as bad as that," answered the Cap- 
tain. "Besides, that kind of work makes the men feel 
their power and strength, and they like it. The man who 
straddles the yard arm in a gale and passes the weather 
earing: in the teeth of such wind and rain as we had last 
night — who is dipped almost into the sea with every roll, 
and still holds on and does his work, is full of courage and 
manhood, and he knows it: he knows, too, that the safety 



Stormy Weather off Patagonia 213 

of the ship, in a measure, depends on his work, and that he 
is doing that work against heavy odds. 

" His life brings him into contact with the rough, crude 
conditions of both his fellow-man and the forces of nature : 
it is a harsh struggle, stripped of everything softening, 
refining, and sympathetic — the grating of granite crag 
against flinty boulder in everything human and material. 

"There is an immense difference between the steam- 
ship sailor and the sailing-ship seaman: the former has 
no sail to handle — no part to play in the motive power: 
he merely presses the electric button and the engine does 
the rest. The vessel proceeds directly into the wind's eye, 
toward her port, seldom has to slow down, and never lolls 
in a calm. The man acquires the character of this mechan- 
ism — a kind of drudge to attend to its cleansing, oiling, 
feeding, and other bodily wants. There is nothing inspirit- 
ing in this — nothing to awaken pride, ambition, or a sense 
of individuality : one man can do it nearly as well as another. 
When it rains or blows, there is little to call him out of his 
kennel; and so, having neither hardship nor inclemency 
to encounter, he grows up without the development that 
such experiences cultivate : the routine of a steamer breeds 
a slow and easy pace. 

" But the man who has to reef topsails in a gale, as you 
saw last night; or who has to tack and wear for days — 
obstinately zig zag toward his anchorage, always in sight, 
but, like the mirage of the desert, ever receding upon 
approach, by reason of fitful head winds; or who, in light 
variable airs, has patiently to trim his sails to profit by 
every cat's-paw — such a man feels that the progress of 
the ship is in his hands — that it is upon his alertness, skill, 
and strength she goes; and this feeling begets daring, 



214 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

courage, and self-reliance — quickness of perception, judg- 
ment, and action. 

"The silent obedience of the soldier is proverbial: 
he marches and countermarches, deploys and fires at the 
word of command — nearly all his action is of the unreason- 
ing kind : but the cases in which the seaman so acts, are few; 
while the number in which he uses both intelligence and 
discretion in carrying out orders, are legion. 

"Take, for example, the hoisting of a boat in a rough 
seaway: she comes alongside — the Mate gives the order to 
hook on; the boat is plunging — rising and falling with 
every wave; the men in the bow and stern have these con- 
ditions to deal with, and upon their skill and judgment 
depends success — to keep from being swamped, or dashed 
against the ship's side. The order of the Mate bore only 
remotely on the actual time of doing the work, and not 
at all on the manner. 

"Or again: an anchor comes up foul — covered with 
turn upon turn of entangled cable. The Mate gives the 
order to clear it, but the ingenuity to rid the tangle is in 
the brain of the men who actually do the work. 

" So, too, when light sails have been carried too long 
and are taken in, the Mate orders the to 'gallant and royal 
yard men aloft to furl them : they get there to find their airy 
perch swinging to and fro, and the sail either thrashing 
about, or so puffed up with wind that it is only after a hard 
struggle — gaining inch by inch, cautiously, and watching 
every advantage — that they gather the canvas to the yard 
and pass the gaskets. 

"Or once more: the man behind the gun receives the 
order from the division officer to fire — does he do it as 
the soldier does? Not at all! He waits and watches — 



Stormy Weather off Patagonia 215 

the speed and roll of the ship, the bearing of the target, 
the direction of the wind, all these have to be considered — 
and only when he judges all the conditions favorable, does 
he pull the lock-string and send the missile on its deadly 
errand. 

"In all this and a thousand other cases, it is the use of 
the seaman's intelligence, reason, and judgment, and not 
the literal obedience of specific orders that most avails 
in accomplishing good work. 

" Obedience there must be, of course; but with the freest 
play possible to all the faculties that contribute to the 
attainment of any end: and herein consists the great 
difficulty of command on board ship — to give the free rein 
that will ensure the best results — the fullest exercise of 
individual traits, while gently checking them to keep on 
the great highway of discipline. 

"Outside of the rare qualities that can do this well, 
the officer must keep a tight rein on himself: a child would 
soon learn the slang word uttered in a moment of play with 
it; and so on board ship, familiarity slackens discipline 
and destroys respect. There must be reserve — a poise 
that befits command — that comports with the position 
of him to whom all on board look as the arbiter of every 
question and the manager of all their affairs. 

"If for no other reason than the qualities it cultivates, 
I would never have a sailor on even a steamer who had 
not made at least three long voyages in a sailing ship; 
and I should make it a requisite that the officers of a 
steamer had spent three years in a sailing ship." 

"Captain," said Northrup, "you have given me a better 
conception of the career of the seaman than I ever had: 
his life is a hard one, but full of incident and responsibility; 



216 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

and it has the great merit of cultivating the courageous, 
enduring, bold, and manly qualities of the human being. 
"It is a free, open life — far more so even for the common 
sailor than is generally thought; and if more captains 
were imbued with your ideas, and more ships were man- 
aged in the way this one is — especially, if the commanding 
officer have the loyal support of his subordinates — there 
would be far fewer complaints of brutality and hardship 
at sea. I am a close observer of men and things — my 
profession requires it — and I have watched with interest 
and concern the efforts you are making to improve the 
status of the sailor. It is poor material, I see, you have to 
work upon; but there is nothing in the world whose con- 
dition cannot be modified in the long run by persistent 
effort. I see all your endeavor is toward the good, and I 
heartily wish you success. There! I have expressed 
what has been in my mind ever since coming aboard; 
and if my sympathy and that of the other passengers avail 
in the least, you now know that we feel it most sincerely." 

"Thank you," replied Colburn: "all is not plain sail- 
ing with the human phase of life at sea, any more than 
with the atmospheric conditions : we can only try to weather 
the storms of both with tact and skill." 

Toward evening the barometer ceased falling — then 
rose a trifle — then fell a little — a kind of see-saw, with a 
general upward tendency: this was the first symptom of 
a change ; for neither wind nor sea showed any indications 
of subsidence. The Captain did not wait for them, 
however, knowing full well they would not be long delayed. 
He shook the reefs out of the topsails, set the courses, and 
put the ship on her course: by midnight she was under all 
sail, except royals, making ten knots, with the wind free. 



Stormy Weather off Patagonia £17 

The morning dawned clear, crisp, and dry — the fore- 
runner of a fine day: the breeze was fresh and the ship 
bounded on with the spring of an antelope, under every inch 
of canvas that could be spread : the sea, however, was still 
heaving with the commotion into which it had been lashed 
by the gale of the preceding day, and was rolling in long, 
regular billows. The ship ascended every acclivity much 
as the boy climbs the hill with his sled — deliberately; 
and then glided down the slope, just as he speeds to the 
bottom on the smooth snow: the swell was so long and 
symmetrical that it imparted no discomfort to the motion 
of the ship. The weather was invigorating, and the pas- 
sengers were up early to enjoy it. 

At seven o'clock, the Captain took his observations 
for longitude and also half a dozen time-azimuths to deter- 
mine the compass errors on the courses he should prob- 
ably use. Upon working out the observations, he was 
surprised to find the ship nearer the coast than he had 
expected, even after making liberal allowance for over- 
running the reckoning. Lest there might be some error, 
he took another set of time-sights at nine o'clock, crossed 
them with those at seven, as a Sumner, and found the first 
set entirely correct: the position they gave, indicated that 
they should sight land soon after noon, and be at anchor 
before sunset. 

The sun was now radiant, the sky a deep blue, the 
horizon a clear-cut circle, the air bracing, and the breeze 
light — altogether, a perfect day, such as instils vigor and 
elasticity into the physical frame, hope into the moral 
aspirations, and buoyancy into the mental activities. All 
aboard were effervescing — full of exhilaration — eager for 
movement of any kind, which was in marked contrast with 



218 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

the depression brought on by the storm and leaden sky of 
the preceding day; and this is what the weather will pro- 
duce: the human organism is capable of any exertion, or 
unfit for the least effort, according as the sun shines or not — 
as the air is crisp or soft. 

Everything was wet, and the day was dry and fine; so 
there was a universal exposure of things to light and air: 
the running rigging was thrown off the pins and spread out 
on the deck; soggy sou 'westers were pulled apart and hung 
on lines; mouldy shoes were set in the sun; damp clothes 
put to air; covers taken off the boats and their sails spread 
out on the thwarts; the gear in the tops hung over their 
rims; all bunting hoisted as in gala display on the signal 
halliards; hatches uncovered, skylights raised, port holes 
opened — and the balmy air swept through the ship, sucked 
up the moisture, and replaced its clamminess by healthful 
dryness. 

At noon the meridian altitude confirmed the morning 
observations, so that every one was on the alert for the first 
sight of Patagonia. A lookout was sent with binocular 
glasses to the fore topsail yard, and at one o'clock the 
joyous report came from him. 

"Land ho!" 

" Where away ?" asked the Mate on watch. 

"Right ahead and on the port bow — high, bold land." 

The Captain's calculations were correct — they should 
be at anchor by evening. A good breeze was driving the 
ship eight knots an hour; but as it would probably fall 
light, or become variable on approaching the coast, 
Colburn decided to get up steam. He had still thirty- 
five miles to run to the anchorage and he wanted to make 
it before dark. 



Stormy Weather off Patagonia 219 

Sam Ruggles now puffed with pride as his smoke stack 
puffed the first black masses from the newly started fires: 
he wanted to show that in the last resort he was the man 
to come to the rescue — albeit, that the ship could sail right 
in to her anchorage without his aid. But this view of it he 
would not acknowledge ; he knew, moreover, that for some 
days (until they came out in the Atlantic) he should be the 
most important personage on board — was not the motive 
power for getting through the channels at his command ? 

Every once in a while he came up from the engine room, 
looked over the hatch in a supercilious way as if to say, 
" Your sails will soon be no good, but I'll be here churning 
up the water." At four o'clock he reported steam ready: 
the ship was hove-to with the main topsail to the mast — 
the propeller coupled — and then she filled away again 
under both steam and sail. 

As they approached the land, it loomed up very high and 
hilly, with rounded prominences, all covered with verdure. 

Everything on board having been thoroughly dried by 
the sunlight, the articles were returned to their places and 
the decks made ship-shape. 

The outlying islets came into view, the sea subsided, and 
the breeze grew unsteady and light : it scarcely added now 
to the speed given by the propeller. The Captain ordered 
the sails furled, yards squared, anchors gotten ready, 
and the ship otherwise prepared for port. The First Mate 
took charge on the poop, the Second Mate forward, and 
the Third Mate in the waist; and the work progressed 
so rapidly that all was ready as they passed the bold 
northern headland to the Gulf of Penas. 

The Boatswain was ordered to call, "All hands bring 
ship to anchor!" and then the Captain took charge and 



220 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

the other officers and men went to their stations, the Cap- 
tain piloting the ship in. After proceeding to the east- 
ward a short distance from the entrance, the bow of the 
ship was turned to the northward and westward, and she 
entered what seemed a mere nook — the small harbor of 
Port Otway, amidst silence the most profound and im- 
pressive. 

The last rays of the sun still shone on the trees and 
dense vegetation that lined the shores of the little basin, 
but neither the voice of man, the song of bird, nor the 
noise of beast broke that awful stillness. Nor well could 
it; for none was there — it was the quietude of complete 
absence of life, save that on board ! 

American Ship Wenonah, 

Port Otway, Patagonia. 

Friend Bain: I'll write you a few words about our pas- 
sage from Callao here. It was longer than it should be: 
we fooled away a lot of time. Colburn had some Navy 
fad about the compasses, so he got up steam, wasted several 
tons of coal (and coal costs a good bit down here), and 
went through what he calls swinging ship: yes, he swung 
round the circle, but not as you and I will do when we reach 
New York, if we ever do. Well, we spent a whole morning 
of as fine weather as I ever saw, trying to find out what was 
wrong with the compasses: he fixed them up himself in 
San Francisco, instead of getting a regular adjuster; and so 
when we got south of the Line, I suppose he thought the 
north point ought to turn round and look toward the south 
pole. 

When we got near the coast of Patagonia, we had some 
fresh breezes — did he take advantage of them ? No : he 
lay-to for a whole day ! We might have made two hundred 



Stormy Weather off Patagonia 221 

miles on our course, instead of drifting to leeward under 
storin sails! Think of it — reefed down in a to 'gallant 
breeze ! 

The men were furious; they almost mutinied at such 
timidity in a moderate gale : they wanted to get out of that 
bad weather, and if it had n't been for a little whiskey I 
had, I believe they would have risen; but I gave them a 
good tot all round the night we were humbugging with 
storm sails and preventer braces, when they wanted to set 
all sail and let her go. 

But the worst remains to be told. At Callao we took 
on board a lawyer named Northrup for New York. He goes 
among the men, is friendly with them, especially with old 
Gower; tells them all kinds of yarns, and talks to them 
about their "profession"! 

Hell! "profession"! to a lot of beach combers! 

Well, he and the other passengers got Colburn to send 
some of these lime juicers of the " profession" to make fun 
for them in the saloon — a kind of variety show — a cross 
between a Bowery theatre and a Y. M. C. A. meeting. 
Now when I want fun, I'll go where 'tis unadulterated — 
to the Bowery; and when I want religion, I'll go to a good 
old-time camp meeting where I can shout with the rest; 
but none of this hybrid combination for me. Besides, it 
breaks down discipline: since it's been going on, old Gower 
has gotten so good that he is n't worth a damn: you want 
to get rid of him first thing when we reach New York. 

Well, I stood this nonsense as long as I could, but at 
last I broke it up : I showed the men what fools they were, 
to be chummy with these passengers aboard here when 
they had nobody else to talk to, but wouldn't speak to 
them if they met them in the streets of New York. Oil 



222 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

and water won't mix: neither will the two professions — 
the lawyer's and the doctor's with the sailor's "profes- 
sion!" 

These high toned words are ruining Jack — they make 
him think he's somebody: better keep him ignorant — 
under the yoke — a beast to be driven, not led, nor humored. 
I take no stock in these soft ways with the sailor — they 
spoil him: put the bit in his mouth and keep it checked 
well up — that's my way. You get better work out of him. 
Throw him a sop when you must, in the way of a drink or 
shore liberty; but always boom it up as a great privilege: 
never talk to him about his rights, or self-respect, or 
decency — all that rot demoralizes him. Now that's just 
what these passengers are doing, and Colburn aint got 
sense enough to see it. 

The worst case is the way they spoiled old Gower — 
he's not worth a tinker's dam now: he's got no sand any 
more — he used to have. You know his weakness — rum: 
well, he won't take it any more: I offered him some in 
pretty bad weather we had, but he refused it — think of 
that!!! I expect next thing to see him reading the Bible 
every day, and letting the ship's work go more to hell than 
he is doing. He's losing his grip on the men. And all 
this comes of the missionary work of the passengers. I'll 
keep this to post at Sandy Point. 

Yours truly, 

Jacob Hawse, First Mate. 



CHAPTER XIV 

Through the Patagonian Channels 

Port Otway, Gulf of Penas, Patagonia. 

The contrast of enlarged with contracted ideas is forcibly 
brought home to one coming in from the unbounded view 
of the Pacific to the narrow limits of Port Otway — from 
the dazzling sunlight of the open heavens to the semi- 
obscurity of a land-locked harbor — from the majesty of 
wind and wave in fierce commotion to the pall and stillness 
of complete solitude! The mind and the eye are still full 
of the vastness of the great ocean — for days and days 
nothing appeared to afford comparison of size or distance, 
so that when the limiting lines of islet, headland, and 
harbor come into view, they seem unnatural until the eye 
becomes accustomed to them: it has been in the light and 
must conform to the shade; and objects, though in them- 
selves on a grandiose scale, require time to appear in their 
proper proportions. 

The entrance to Port Otway is not very wide, but as 
the Wenonah approached it, it presented the illusion of 
being too narrow to admit the ship ; and when inside, fears 
were entertained that she would scrape the shore in swing- 
ing, whereas there was a good clear sweep in every direc- 
tion from a central anchorage. And it is only an anchor- 
age : not a house, not a habitation, not a living thing of any 
kind; only hills covered with trees enclosing the harbor — 
a mere basin. 

223 



224 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

A wooden box is nailed to a tree, and this is called a post- 
office: passing vessels usually drop a list into it containing 
the names of the officers and men, the ship's name, date 
of arrival, where from, whither bound, and condition of 
health on board; it is a melancholy means of communica- 
tion between way-farers of the deep on bald items. And 
yet it is an intense gratification to one cut off from the 
world for a month to find even this meagre evidence of 
man having been there — to open the box and find an 
envelope from another ship with other names, perhaps 
those of his own country — it is something from pulsating 
humanity! Though the missive be in a foreign language 
and from an alien land, still it is from a fellow being, and 
man craves even this link with his kind. 

The Patagonian Channels are a succession of natural 
waterways formed by a multitude of islands scattered along 
the west coast of the mainland : the channels run into one 
another from the Gulf of Penas to the Straits of Magellan ; 
and are often narrow, frequently tortuous, and sometimes 
difficult to make out among the many openings that lead 
from sheets of water into which they expand at intervals. 
They take a new name at every radical turn, and this name 
— English, French, or Spanish — indicates the nationality 
that has borne hardships of all kinds — inclemency of 
weather, liability to shipwreck, and food of the most miser- 
able kind, in order to survey these routes and chart their 
dangers for the benefit of commerce. It was a great work, 
and well done in the face of every conceivable difficulty: 
from the charts it appears that the officers of the British 
Navy were foremost in this undertaking, and the tenacity 
with which they held to it is equaled only by the skill and 
intelligence with which it was performed. 



Through the Patagonian Channels 225 

The channels are yet far from being completely surveyed : 
sources of danger abound — hidden rocks, shoals, narrow 
windings, false routes, kelp, and swift tides that threaten 
wreck (and wrecks are not infrequent) ; but with due care, 
and the sailing directions and charts to guide him, any 
captain can pilot his ship from entrance to exit without 
mishap. 

Harbors like Port Otway occur at intervals, and the run 
must be made during daylight from one to the next, or to 
cover a stretch over two, if the ship's speed is equal to it. 
These harbors are small and picturesque, and some are 
extremely beautiful; but O, the solitude and stillness that 
reign in them, and the total absence of life from end to end 
of the route! It is their most impressive feature outside 
of the grand and varied scenery. In most harbors, the 
wooden box — the post-office, is established; and in some 
harbors boards are nailed to the trees, with the names of 
ships which have been there, painted on them: they give 
the place the appearance of a graveyard ; and in fact many 
of them are really commemorative of historic ships of our 
Navy, now relegated to oblivion with only these simple 
tablets in a distant land to recall their achievements! 

At Gray Harbor in particular, the trees have been 
bleached by the wind and weather, which adds to the 
mortuary effect; and there, may be seen the head-board 
of the Hartford which carried Farragut into action at 
Mobile; and of the Kearsarge in which Winslow fought 
the Alabama; and of the Alliance which approached the 
terrestrial poles, north and south, as near as any other 
ship of our Navy. 

The Wenonah passed through the channels in the 
month of March, corresponding in seasonal order to 



226 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

September in northern latitudes ; and the weather was that 
of late autumn in New York. Although the ship was to 
be underway at dawn of the day following, and the pas- 
sengers were anxious to be on deck to enjoy the scenery, 
they could not forego the charm of the evening — the clear 
blue sky, brilliant with stars; the mild, soft air; the quiet 
of the ship; and that peaceful repose of all about them. 

After a good dinner, more enjoyable because eaten at a 
steady board where one did not have to wrench and writhe 
to conform to the ship's motion, the awning was spread on 
the poop, chairs brought up, and the Captain and his 
passengers assembled to enjoy a sociable cigar and the 
companionship that was every day growing more intimate 
and delightful. 

For some time no one spoke — all seemed under the spell 
of a serene feeling. At length, Northrup said in a jocular 
vein : " Doctor, this seems no place for you and me to ply 
our trades — no sick, no contentions, no people; but what 
an ideal place to transplant a few families and watch their 
growth and development under natural conditions! The 
original garden of Eden could n't have been more free from 
moulding influences, other than those of nature." 

"That's true," said Doctor Austin; "but my theory is 
that every man is born into this world much as Adam was 
set down in Paradise — with his future very much in his 
own hands : to develop his physique ill or well ; to become 
a man of principle, guided by well thought-out springs of 
action, or a moral weather-vane swinging to every impulse; 
to acquire refinement of manners, or lapse into boorish 
ways; to have a cultivated mind full of carefully selected 
information, or a brain barren of all but what grows up 
wild — a morass of useless items. 



Through the Patagonian Channels 227 

"I believe man to be made to the image and likeness 
of God in the fullest sense of the phrase — endowed with 
many of His attributes. True, he cannot make a tree or 
a living thing out of its component elements — that creative 
power God has reserved to Himself; but consider what man 
has made, both materially and intellectually: the beautiful 
structures of architecture; the ponderous machines of 
labor; the stupendous railway systems with their marvels 
of tunnel, bridge, and trestle; the leviathans of the deep 
for both commerce and warfare — all filled with a network 
of ingenious devices for every purpose; the delicate mechan- 
isms of infinite variety for measuring time, space, and 
matter; the paintings, that upon a flat surface represent 
objects in all their naturalness of form, color, and expres- 
sion ; the sculpture, that into a marble block can throw the 
reality of an animated creature — everything but the vital 
spark; the refined theorems of mathematics ; the grand com- 
positions of music ; the discoveries of science ; the master- 
pieces of literature; the elaborate machinery of government 
for framing, administering, and executing laws suitable not 
only to congeries of people in themselves, but also in their 
relations to other communities ; the inventions to kill, and 
the remedies to cure ; the pitfalls to debase, and the heights 
to elevate — with this moulding, making, modifying faculty 
that has wrought so much in every activity into which it has 
been directed, man can make of himself pretty much what 
he will, morally, mentally, and physically, if he will devote 
himself to the task with the same assiduity that he does to 
the acquisition of wealth, or fame, or the improvement of 
his material condition and surroundings." 

"Ah!" interrupted Northrup; " the surroundings ! there 
you have a tremendous power to reckon with: their reflex 



228 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

influence constitutes a breast-work that must be attacked 
every day ere one can make any decided progress in his own 
personal improvement." 

"O, I don't lose sight of the surroundings," replied the 
Doctor: "I should be blind to do so, with their influence 
brought home to me every day in my profession; but, as 
with a number of magnets of varied size dangling from 
strings — each influencing the other — yet a large one, 
brought into their midst, will dominate the whole; so, while 
every individual has characteristics peculiar to himself, and 
is affected in a measure by those about him, still a man of 
strong, determined character will control the situation 
and command in it, and not be moulded by it; and this 
strength and determination he can to some extent acquire 
by cultivation : if he sees the evil tendencies in their incep- 
tion, he can successfully grapple and throttle them. 

"To admit that certain traits are woven into man's 
nature by heredity, does not admit that he cannot control 
their tendencies ; or that he is not accountable for any acts 
that may result from giving them free rein : on the contrary, 
there is nothing in man's physical, mental, or moral 
organization which cannot either be improved or degraded ; 
he forms no exception to the universal principle — that 
cultivation improves, and neglect causes deterioration. 
Man may make of himself a high order of being — capable 
of emitting a beneficent influence around him; or he can 
become a noxious weed, fit only for the brush heap and 
the flames. No, it would be denial of his free will, to 
assert that he is a mere automaton in the grasp of a wicked 
inheritance and bad environment — moved to evil by every 
vicious spring, without power to resist; it would be an 
excuse for — nay, an authorization of all the sins he is prone 



Through the Patagonian Channels 229 

to, and capable of committing. It would remove both the 
healthy sentiment of self-control that curbs the animal 
within him, and the equally wholesome fear of punish- 
ment that deters from infraction of the law. 

"I fully admit the influence of association: the smell 
of the stable is not more distinctive of the hostler, than our 
bad habits, coarse manners, and hazy notions of right and 
wrong, are of evil companions; whether these be other 
persons or our own thoughts. 

" There are, of course, veins of heredity and individual- 
ity in every nature; and one will accomplish most by study- 
ing his own characteristics — what he inclines to, as well 
as what repels him — and cultivating his bent, provided 
it be not to the bad. But I've had the floor already too 
long, and would like to hear from the opposing counsel; 
for I think, Mr. Northrup, you are not entirely of my mind. " 

"Only in so far as it is a partial view; but one side of 
a story conveys an inadequate statement of the case — you 
remember the fable of the blind men and the elephant: 
six Hindoos sought knowledge of the animal by personally 
inspecting him — albeit, they were blind: the first ap- 
proached the beast and encountering his massive flank, 
pronounced him like a wall; the second felt his tusk — 
smooth, round, and sharp, and decided he was like a spear; 
the third fell foul of his squirming trunk and concluded he 
was of the snake family; the fourth felt about from leg to 
leg and judged the elephant must resemble the trees of the 
forest; the fifth chanced to touch only the flabby ears, and 
likened the animal to a fan; while the sixth in his groping 
caught hold of the swinging tail and confidently asserted 
the beast to be like a rope — and so each was partly right, 
but as to the whole, entirely wrong. 



230 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

"You, Doctor, have stated only the beneficent side of 
the question, as is quite natural you should, being engaged 
in doing good to your kind : unfortunately, I have had to do 
principally with man's malevolence, and could talk most 
volubly of that; but not tonight, 'tis late and we must be 
up with the lark if we would hear even his lone notes in 
this dreadful solitude." And so saying, the group broke 
up, and soon the silence of the ship was added to the 
silence of the shore. 

Island Harbor. 

The next morning at five the Wenonah was underway, 
steaming down the Gulf of Pefias: the water was smooth, 
sky of a leaden hue, and the air soft and humid — a depres- 
sing, enervating day. Eventually, the ship left the broad 
waters of the Gulf and entered Messier Channel: it was 
quite wide, however, easily followed, and comparatively 
direct, with few shoals and little kelp. This kelp is a long, 
tough, snaky sea weed which may be loose and merely 
floating on the water — liable to clog the propeller; or it 
may be the surface growth of a hidden rock: a lookout 
is stationed aloft to keep a watch for it and report its 
location. 

The Channel was like a river; and gliding down its 
smooth surface, with trees and shrubbery lining the banks, 
was a most agreeable sensation compared with the tossing 
on the broad ocean with only sky and sea forever meeting 
in outline. 

The passengers had no occasion to worry over dangers 
of navigation, or determining the right channel among 
several openings formed by islets and jutting headlands; 
and so could give themselves up to free and full enjoyment 
of the scenery. 



Through the Patagonian Channels 231 

The Captain established himself in the pilot house for- 
ward: there, with chart, sailing directions, deviation table, 
dividers, parallel rulers, binocular glasses, and a compass 
mounted in its binnacle, he kept a sharp eye on land and 
water to direct the ship's course. With a motion of the 
hand to the helmsman aft, he guided the ship to starboard 
or to port — with a rank sheer, or little by little — suddenly, 
or slowly — each according to the requirements of the case; 
and by other signals to the engine room, he moved cau- 
tiously where danger seemed to be, or sped swiftly where 
no harm threatened. 

About mid-day the weather cleared, the sun came out 
genial and bright, the scenery grew varied and pleasing, 
and as a consequence, a cheerful, buoyant feeling invested 
all on board. 

Late in the afternoon the ship reached a snug cove 
called Island Harbor where she came to anchor, it being 
too far to the next anchorage to make it by daylight; and 
running at night was impracticable. The evening was very 
fine, and after dinner our party gathered on the poop for a 
sociable talk. 

"Mr. Northrup," said the Doctor, "remember you owe 
us your views on the subject of our conversation last even- 
ing — the improvement of man's natural qualities." 

"Man, as I have found him," replied Northrup, "is a 
very different being from what he may be made. If taken 
in the malleable, receptive condition, and worked up, there 
is no doubt a fine product may be evolved from good raw 
material; and even indifferent qualities can be improved. 
Such care can be taken of the child's eyes, teeth, stomach, 
and other organs, as will ensure their proper action in 
mature years, untrammelled by the ailments that neglect 



232 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

brings on. In fact, as with the athlete, the whole physique 
may be so developed as to produce a magnificent specimen 
of manhood. So with the mind : it can be trained to per- 
ceive clearly, to observe accurately, to judge justly — to 
cope intelligently with the affairs of life and hold them with 
a firm grasp. Similarly, with the moral nature: truth — 
rigid honesty of intent, word, and act, — no ingenious 
variant of mere policy or expediency; but plain, straight- 
forward truth in all things — can be ground into youth, so 
that when he comes to man's estate, he will be esteemed 
and trusted. 

" I regard truth in its large sense — man's conduct as well 
as his speech — stripped of all craft, duplicity, and guile — 
as the corner stone both of morality as a duty to God, and 
of worldly polity as a means of success; for when a position 
of extraordinary responsibility is to be filled, what is the 
trait most sought in the candidate? 

"Ability to discharge its duties — yes, of course; but this 
is intellectual: but between two men of equal mental 
capacity, which will be selected — he who is known to gain 
his ends by cunning, deceit, and all the other qualities 
of the fox; or he whose integrity and reliability are beyond 
question ? I think our daily experience will readily supply 
the answer. 

"But man developed in the way I've indicated, is the 
ideal possibility : now what is the reality ? 

" You have only to look at what is brought out every day 
in the courts (where even but a small fraction of the world's 
iniquity is exposed), to see how bad tendencies seem to 
control. In the police courts we have petty thefts, drunken 
brawls, default in small debts — the exhibition of low life 
in all its wrangling coarseness, brutal and nude. 



Through the Patagonian Channels 233 

" Step into the next court above — criminal or civil — and 
what do we find ? Greater infractions of law, some under 
euphonious names: embezzlement, counterfeiting, fraudu- 
lent voting, bribery, forgery, perjury, murder, and the 
quarrels of marital life in which man and woman accuse 
each other of acts that seem possible only to beasts with 
claws and birds with talons. Still higher, and we reach 
crimes and criminals on a gigantic scale: wrecking of 
railroads ; flooding mediocre enterprises with watered stock; 
combinations of capital for suppression of competitors; 
procuration of special laws for individual benefit; corpora- 
tions giving secret rebates to favored persons which enables 
them to amass wealth in staggering amounts; systems of 
corruption and graft devised by political machines for 
maintaining their organizations and enriching their mem- 
bers — a poison as baneful to morality as the exhalations of 
a cesspool to health. 

" And throughout this whole fabric of iniquity (which is 
not a tithe of what might be named) runs the Lie in all its 
variety : the brazen lie, the flippant lie, the complaisant lie, 
the politic lie, the malicious lie, the commercial lie, the lie 
to cover up a lie, until one sickens at the torrent of untruth 
streaming from the lips of humanity! 

" It is written that God abhors a liar — where, then, will 
place be found for all the liars that throng the Earth! 

"Man is full of passions, appetites, and malevolent 
inclinations forever pushing him toward crime, with 
vicious surroundings attracting him on every hand: to 
counteract this, what has he? Some tendency to good, 
assisted by early training; and according to the violence 
of the evil or the strength of the good, we have the real 
man — a varying compound of sin and virtue in the indi- 



234 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

vidual, in the community, in the race, and in the nation. 

"But there are many channels besides the courts, 
through which iniquity flows: in commerce it takes one 
form; in politics, another; in the social order, a third — the 
vicious vein permeates all life, only its aspects are diverse. 
Even at sea, its chameleon hues may be found — is it not 
so, Captain ?" 

"Indeed it is," answered Colburn: "deceit is a rank 
growth with us. Malicious gossip is rife on board ship — 
it is the bane of sea life . . . ." 

The Captain stopped short — he spoke with emphasis, 
and lest his heat should carry him too far, he said, " Excuse 
me, Mr. Northrup; I am interrupting your conversation." 

"Not at all," said Northrup: "I should like to learn 
something of the crooked ways of the sea, since I am 
familiar with the devious paths ashore — it will be interest- 
ing to compare them." 

In reality, he led up to this point, hoping to make Col- 
burn speak of conditions on board — he wanted to ascertain 
how much he knew of the cauldron of treachery seething 
beneath him; but Colburn would only say, 

"No; talking is not my strong suit: I have to 
deal too much with the hard realities of life, to study them 
closely; but on that very account I am glad to hear your- 
self and Doctor Austin discuss them." 

"Well," continued Northrup; "there are many ignoble 
tendencies in man which are not always within the pur- 
view of the law; but which, none the less, are opposed to 
moral standards and right living: they are all streaked with 
greed for money — Graft, properly called Theft. 

"Consider the most petty — the practise of servants: 
the butler, coachman, valet, lady's maid and other pur- 



Through the Patagonian Channels 235 

veyors of household and bodily needs — they levy tribute on 
the dealers of supplies for the trade given them, and have 
it added to the price of the articles bought. It is an 
organized system — a perquisite of office regarded as legiti- 
mate. That the masters are able to pay, does not lessen 
the dishonesty of the practise — it is thieving, bald and bare. 

" Another phase of graft came to light not long ago in a 
libel suit in New York; and it is lamentable, the personal 
characteristics disclosed by the suit. Possessed (as those 
exposed, were) of great wealth, and with surroundings 
which should incite to higher aspirations and refined 
sentiments, they nevertheless long for the husks of life — 
for mere publicity — to be seen by all and talked of by 
everybody. An astute publisher saw in them a mine to 
work, and produced a costly volume of biography, ex- 
clusively for those able to pay the entrance fee — and a big 
one it was. 

"And this is the class always cited as prominent in the 
community! Yes, for wealth and its vainglorious expen- 
diture. It is deplorable how their performances affect the 
multitude — inspiring them with a thirst for the frivolous 
and spectacular — the multitude that flock to the opera at 
exorbitant prices, to enjoy — not the music, but the efful- 
gence of the diamond horse shoe! 

" Corruption is the yoke-fellow of graft, and both devise 
the basest measures to degrade man. Look at what the 
Insurance Investigation in New York uncovered — money 
contributed regularly in stupendous amounts to bribe 
legislators and buy votes at elections! 

" But this bribery seems to be only a part of an extensive 
project to govern the country according to the views of 
organized wealth — each corporation seeking to influence 



236 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

governmental functions in its own interest — the concerted 
action of ' a few ruthless domineering men, whose wealth 
makes them peculiarly formidable because they hide behind 
the breastworks of corporate organization.' 

"The insurance people are especially despicable: they 
used the savings entrusted to them for dependent relatives; 
and the men who did this were not of the class trained in 
the dives of the city, whose environment might bespeak 
such action. No, they were brought up in homes of com- 
fort, educated in colleges, and surrounded with incentives 
to right living — who, until the mask was torn off, posed 
as the pillars of every business enterprise ! In reality, they 
are moral lepers. 

"But the most colossal system of graft is practised by 
the Trust — that monster of insatiable maw which is in- 
trenched in almost every branch of commerce, and worms 
its eel-like tentacles into the pockets of every person in 
the land. There is a tropical plant, devoid of leaves, but 
full of black snaky twigs having suckers that secrete a 
sticky fluid : by means of these twigs it reaches out, fastens 
upon its prey, and saps its life. And such is the Com- 
mercial Trust: it fastens upon all of us and absorbs our 
substance — softly, steadily, as the leech sucks our blood 
in sickness; but unlike the leech (which, when gorged, 
falls off), the Trust never lets go, but feeds on and on 
while we have aught to give. 

"I would raise no cry against associations of capital 
honestly conducted under equitable laws and a low tariff; 
but against those that under a high protective tariff get 
special privileges, and form combinations for exorbitant 
profits. 

"Take, for instance, the products of the Steel Trust — 



Through the Patagonian Channels 237 

rails, beams, tools, hardware, and other forms of the metal : 
they are sold in Europe and Asia, even in far off Man- 
churia, for less (according to the article, for twenty to fifty 
per cent less) than to the people of the United States, 
although made by the same Trust at our very doors; and 
this in competition with the manufacturers of steel in other 
countries. Could it be done if the products were sold 
abroad for the same price as at home? No: we pay the 
high price in order to compensate for the small profits 
on foreign sales. The high tariff enacted in the interest 
of the steel industry, enables the Trust to exact these 
unequal rates from its own countrymen ; and hence we pay 
high rents for our houses into which the steel products 
enter in one way or other. 

"And the profits of the Steel Trust have their counter- 
part in nearly every article we need, as shown by the in- 
creased cost of living during the ten years prior to 1905: 
for various commodities — all, necessaries of life — the 
increase ranges from twenty to sixty per cent. Such, in 
great part, is the result of the monopolistic reign of Trusts ! 
And it is not by high prices alone they bleed us, but in the 
quality of the goods — these are inferior to what they were 
ten years ago. 

" The picking on the bones of a single policy-holder is 
small, but the number to be picked is legion; and so the 
insurance vultures (who are few) can easily fatten and 
grow corpulent on the flesh of many: similarly the con- 
fluent rivulets from millions of consumers form a mill-race 
of wealth that is inundating the really small number of 
men who constitute the Trusts. 

"If a moderate tariff were substituted for the present 
excessive one on steel, the man who is worrying lest he 



238 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

cannot give away his millions ere he dies, would n't have 
that anxiety — the millions would n't flow into his coffers: 
and as a consequence our houses could be built cheaper, 
our rents would be lower, and that degrading practise 
would be stopped of forcing money from the many to 
enrich the few; who, in turn, by their colossal gifts are 
destroying the self-respect and moral sense of hosts of 
recipients. 

"Yes, it is tainted money; and the individuals and 
societies who have spurned it, showed moral courage and 
rectitude of the highest order. 

"This wide spread commercial iniquity — the Standard 
Oil, of which a judge (in sentencing it for rebates) said 
regarding its execrable acts, 'The men who thus deliber- 
ately violate the law, wound society more deeply than does 
he who counterfeits the coin or steals letters from the mail'; 
the Steel Trust, whose magnate founds libraries with 
money wrung from the very class he hands books to, 
while they are bent with toil ; the Beef Trust, which grinds 
the ranchman and satiates the consumer with tasteless, 
cold storage meat; the Coal Barons, who accord to the 
wretch that delves into their caverns a pittance for the pro- 
duct they sell at a high price; the relentless Trades-union, 
which by its 'boycott,' 'unfair,' ' we-don't-patronize,' and 
other subtle devices, persecutes all who are not affiliated 
with its narrow minded views; the Railroads, with their 
parasitic organizations (made up of their own directors) 
to sap the income that should go for the improvement of 
transit facilities — all this makes it hard for the honest 
man to keep above the waves of Graft and Greed that are 
swirling about him; and yet I have but stirred the scum — 
the foul depths never come to light. - 



Through the Patagonian Channels 239 

"But let me switch on to another aspect of the human 
being — the egoist who considers well every situation — 
who ferrets out the factors of power, wealth, influence and 
social status; and who, on the other hand (in order to 
avoid them), informs himself as to the weaklings — 
unfortunates whom a little friendliness would encourage. 
Does he give it ? Not he : no unpopular minority for him — 
but always the majority — numbers count in the battle of 
life — it means success, and that is his quest. Success ? 
Yes, necessarily; for being alert to his own advantage, and 
tenacious of all he acquires, he centers in himself every- 
thing that will conduce to success. But he is a gross 
caricature of a man — a nature run to rank growth under 
foul manuring. 

"Periodically, such a cormorant finds that wealth does 
not bring all he craves — that insisting on his rights — 
driving a hard bargain — profiting by another's misfortune 
or pressing need, has hardened men's feelings toward him. 
He has money, however — he can buy subserviency; but 
there is a heart of flint in every breast that serves him. 
Then he would purchase good feeling — seek a reputation 
for generosity — even secure a first mortgage on Heaven 
by contributing to charity: we have latterly had some 
instances of this — did they attain their object ? Not 
often. The money was taken — yes; but the giver only 
became more conspicuous for his distinctive traits. 

" But it will be noted that this kind of largess distributor 
seldom, if ever, gives to the necessitous poor. O no: his 
aim is twofold — to acquire fame as a philanthropist, and 
to close the mouths of adverse critics ; and so he sends forth 
his stream of gold to institutions of learning where youth is 
trained (to look up to him and his methods) — to halls of 



240 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

fame which spread his renown — to pensioners who will 
be grateful for the ease it brings in declining years: all 
these beneficiaries will not only be estopped from frank 
honest criticism of the ways he made his money, but will 
be converted into admirers of the benefactor! 

"And there are legions of such perverted sycophants: 
you have only to cast your eyes over the country to see the 
number who have taken the gold and are down on their 
knees before the ignoble idol — insulting our intelligence 
with laudation of his gifts and specious explanations of 
his devious ways. 

"Yes, money which transmutes deserved censure into 
fulsome praise, is tainted; and it is well — nay, obligatory, 
to look this gift-horse in the mouth, lest he take the bit 
and ride the receiver to perdition. 

"The largess distributor acquires name while fostering 
the purchasable element in man — the obsequiousness of 
the lowly as well as the affability of those in higher place. 

" Money easily got is readily spent; but if gained by hard 
toil, the laborer is loth to part with it freely: now the high 
tariff pours into the pockets of those benefited, profits 
far beyond any efforts they make — a surplusage of 
wealth; and the distribution of this to lower levels gives 
each recipient an amount he did not fully earn; and this 
as surely begets crime in the community as summer 
heat breeds maggots in a dead carcass. A tariff for the 
expenses of government would put everybody on his 
mettle to make a living; and thus there would be no over- 
flow of wealth to submerge morality and drown principle. 

" A wholesome check on the acquisition of tainted gold, 
would be a progressive tax on everything acquired under 
the shield of mere law honesty. At the present uniform 



Through the Patagonian Channels 241 

rate, the man who is taxed five hundred dollars on a single 
lot which is his only possession, pays relatively more than 
the man who pays five thousand on a city block; and this 
latter, more still than the man who pays a hundred thou- 
sand on property worth millions. It is like the clerk's 
meagre salary compared with the ample income from 
houses, lands, and mines: if the salary is reduced, it 
pinches the clerk; but if the income be lessened, it scarcely 
affects the man of means — he has so much. Why, then, 
should not a similar inequality in taxation be rectified by 
levying upon all a tax proportionate to his possessions — 
a higher rate, the larger the property ? 

" Moreover, the man of wealth should bear his share of 
the expense to which he puts the Government : it is for his 
railroads, steamships, mines, factories, houses, lands, 
costly homes, pleasure yachts, and luxurious clubs, that 
the functions of government are chiefly exercised; legis- 
lation and litigation are in the main concerned with his 
properties; and it is for the protection of his commerce 
and his person that squadrons are maintained at sea and 
a military force on land. 

" The professional man, the artist, the farmer, the clerk, 
the shopkeeper, the mechanic, the servant, the laborer — 
all these, who constitute the great bulk of our citizens, 
call but little on the administration of government: then 
why should not he who uses it constantly, pay his pro rata 
amount ? He certainly does not do so now at the uniform 
rate imposed on all — on the man of means, and on the 
widow whose sole support is the rental of a single house. 
The one house and the vast holdings are not commensur- 
able quantities — neither are the taxes at present levied 

on both. 
i« 



242 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

"Contrast the complicated governmental machinery 
daily in motion for the man of wealth, with the simple 
civic requirements of a villager in the Adirondacks — 
where the town council frames the few regulations that are 
needed, the Justice of the Peace settles all petty disputes, 
and the village constable is the sole guardian of person 
and property! 

" To the villager, the Battleship is a phantom of the sea — 
the Army as mythical as the Crusaders — the Acts of Con- 
gress less known than the Acts of the Apostles — and the 
decisions of our highest tribunal of little more interest 
than the decrees of the Sanhedrin : and yet for the elaborate 
care of the interests of his wealthy fellow citizens, the 
villager has to pay the same uniform tax rate ! 

"Of old it was written, 'All . . . whether man or 
woman, [that] cometh into the king's inner court (who is 
not called for), is immediately to be put to death, without 
delay; except the king shall hold out the golden sceptre 
to him in token of clemency, that so he may live.' Such 
was life in ye olden time — ignoble awe, and cringing 
submission to those in authority; and something of it has 
come down to our own day in certain governments and 
organizations: but thank God in our country these yokes 
need find no necks to weigh upon — we have the ballot for 
all, and if they will only use it properly, it can be employed 
to sever the official head of him unworthy of office. 

"Besides, the franchise is an excellent outlet to the 
fermenting humors of the body politic, and saves us from 
nihilism, revolution, and other sores of a gangrenous 
government: our elections afford a healthy ebullition to the 
bile that if bottled up, would fester and breed a cancer. 

" Of course we have throughout the land those who are 



Through the Patagonian Channels 243 

agitating for rights and reforms; but they constitute a 
wholesome ferment — they intimidate the grasping and give 
push to the laggard — they prevent the forging of human 
chains, and give impetus to whatever improves and 
vivifies — they make the fight, and we all reap the benefit. 

"I have but one more matter to touch upon — false 
testimony, a most prolific source of evil. We have a 
detestable sample of it in the corps of trained perjurers 
said to be kept by a transit company in New York to swear 
against every case of damages for injury done. There is, 
of course, the lie of him who is unaware of the falsity of his 
statement — who sees only the skeleton of the facts, and puts 
flesh and raiment on them from his imagination: his eye 
and ear have not been trained to precision, and so the 
mind receives no true impression of what occurs about him. 
This is the unwitting prevaricator ; but there is far worse — 
the malicious liar, who can color a series of incidents, so 
that while retaining a ground-work of fact, spreads over it 
all the dark hues that will blacken any reputation. 

" Closely allied to the malicious lie, is that mendacious 
phrase, I don't remember. Every lawyer knows that the 
witness who glibly gives this answer regarding matters 
which undoubtedly were well impressed upon his mind, 
is hovering on the brink of perjury, if not already flounder- 
ing in its abyss, and trying to wriggle out of it by piling lie 
upon lie. 

"All testimony has certain phases which must be con- 
sidered jointly if one would judge aright of its value: 
the demeanor of the witness; the bias that pervades his 
speech; the words he utters. The written record is but a 
squalid line-drawing — without color, without shading, 
without perspective; the look and manner of the witness 



244 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

are essential to a true picture; for a facial expression or a 
gesture will disclose the malevolence of a vicious nature, 
or the shielding charity of a kindly one; and nothing 
reveals more quickly the prejudice of a witness, than the 
positive terms in which he asserts everything hurtful to the 
side he wants to injure, while tossing off an evasive ' Don't 
remember' to every question that might elicit something 
favorable to him. It is the ever recurrent accusation of 
Jeanne d' Arc to her malignant judges — You put down 
everything that is against me, but you don't put down aught 
for me. 

"And now, good night; may you all sleep well, and 
never have your reputation depend upon the word of a 
man who can say under oath, / dont remember." 
Gray Harbor. 

Again, the Wenonah was underway in the early morn, 
gliding down the smooth channels free from dangers of 
navigation, and with fine weather — a veritable case of 
plain sailing. 

The scenery was of the majestic order — high hills 
clothed with verdure, in the foreground; towering moun- 
tains capped with snow, in the distance; afar off, the bright 
green of glacier fields; and near by, at intervals, cascades 
tumbling down in whitened foam where precipitous cliffs 
formed the banks of the channels. Immensity, stillness, 
loneliness — these are the words that best describe the 
situation, apart from the scenery: true, they might be 
applied equally well to the great ocean the ship had 
recently sailed through; but there, life was not looked for, 
while here it is expected, and not being found, its absence 
is the more impressive: probably not a human being was 
within a hundred miles of the ship. 



Through the Patagonian Channels 245 

Many of the anchorages in the channels are very deep 
but of small area, and the vessel seems to touch the shore 
as she swings about: often, steep hills covered with trees 
and shrubbery enclose them, and one feels as if he were 
afloat in some gigantic bowl with nothing but water 
beneath. 

Toward the middle of the afternoon the ship reached 
the vicinity of Gray Harbor: between this and the next 
anchorage is the dreaded English Narrows — a contracted 
dangerous crook in the channel, where the stream runs 
very swift at certain stages of the tide: the passage is gen- 
erally made at slack water, and as this would not occur 
before dark, the ship turned into Gray Harbor and came 
to anchor until the tide should serve the following day. 

The evening was clear, crisp, and invigorating; so the 
Captain proposed that all who could, should go ashore and 
stretch their legs. He gave a boat to the men, who soon 
filled it and were pulling for the beach. Another boat was 
manned by himself, Brooks, Austin, and Northrup; and 
with Mrs. Austin to steer, and Adeline and Marguerite 
for passengers, they likewise hastened to the shore. 

O the delight of stepping on mother earth where you can 
stand erect and put your feet confidently forth, without 
fear of finding the ground too near or too far, or swaying 
your body to the pendulous motion of your foot-hold! 
And then the fresh odor of growing vegetation — it filled the 
nostrils gratefully after the salty air they had been breath- 
ing so long. The sense of freedom, too — the expansion! 
They all jumped, and ran about, and frolicked, and shook 
off the close confinement of a month : not a man of years but 
was as exuberant — as excited with delight as little Adeline. 

The harbor is small and very picturesque — everywhere, 



246 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

except a little rising ground where the low trees have been 
denuded of their foliage by some withering blast; their 
trunks are bleached by the weather, giving the knoll a 
spectral appearance; and this is heightened by numerous 
sign-boards nailed to them — the records of passing ships- 
of-war. 

Toward dusk all went aboard — happy to get back to 
familiar objects and a good dinner, which they enjoyed 
with zest: it was but a trifling incident, yet it changed the 
rut of their thoughts and supplied an episode for conversa- 
tion. Such is the value of variety — to think that this wild 
shore, without hut or habitant, nothing but the tangled 
rankness of vine and shrub and tree, should afford so much 
pleasure to grown people that they gamboled like boys out 
of school. 

After dinner, chairs were brought up on the poop, cigars 
lighted, and every preparation made for an enjoyable 
evening. They could sleep in, the next morning; for, by 
the Captain's calculations, slack water would not occur in 
the Narrows until ten o'clock, and so they need not get 
under way until after breakfast. 

Brooks gave vent to the general light-heartedness by 
humming a lively air — Marching through Georgia, which 
soon found expression in words, with nearly the whole 
crew joining in the chorus: it sent a thrill through every 
one, especially those who had taken part in the Civil War — 
this ebullition of patriotism rolling loud and deep through 
the solitudes of Patagonia. Then there was a Spanish 
song by one of the sailors to guitar accompaniment; and 
eventually, as the froth of feeling seemed about to subside, 
Mr. Northrup thought best to tap the substantial flow 
beneath, and said : 



Through the Patagonian Channels 247 

" Doctor, you and I have had such divergent experience, 
and each is evidently so influenced by his own, in the 
opinions formed, that I should like to hear the views of one 
who has probably taken a middle course — what does our 
young friend Brooks, here, think of the matters we've 
been speaking of, the past two evenings?" 

"I think," said Brooks, "that one of you has portrayed 
an ideal possibility — the other, a lamentable reality; but 
this last has also its roseate hues, just as the black clouds 
that precede the storm may become the gorgeous masses 
of a brilliant sunset. 

"There is evil in the world, but it has its use; its out- 
break in one person is a spur to good in another. 

"The ills which you, Doctor, alleviate, are incentives 
to generous impulses — even the loathsome victims of 
cancer and leprosy find kindly care from a fellow being. 
The poverty of the needy draws out the sympathy and 
support of those able to give: misery, wretchedness, and 
suffering awaken our better feelings and prompt us to acts 
of kindness and assistance — we cultivate the good that 
is in us — forget self — and fulfill the object of our being as 
component members of the human family, not isolated 
entities. 

"Look around you, and consider the number of indi- 
viduals and organizations that are striving to better the 
lot of the unfortunate and incompetent: the Sisters of the 
Bon Secour who will nurse you through contagious disease 
without a thought of themselves ; the Order of the Assump- 
tion that gives its labor without recompense to the indigent 
in their filthy hovels; the Salvation Army which attacks 
all foes of humanity wherever entrenched; the Children's 
Aid Society which rescues the growing twig from bending 



The Voyage of the Wenonah 

awry; the St. Vincent de Paul Society whose ramifications 
extend into all the lower strata of life; the Legal Aid 
Society which, with the chivalry of knights of old, sallies 
forth to battle before judge and jury for the rights of the 
down trodden; the Mission of the Immaculate Virgin 
which cleans, trains, and brings up to respectability and 
usefulness the waifs of a metropolis; the Society for the 
Prevention of Crime which has a hawk's eye for what is 
corrupting in newspaper, book, or picture; the Civic 
Society which prevents our municipal governments from 
sinking into greater depths than they would without its 
keen criticism; the body of men and women who work 
against the pernicious influence of the saloon; the society 
that watches our food and medicines to reduce adulterations 
of both; the people who work in settlement districts; and 
many, many other organizations which I need not name — 
all working toward the improvement of the human race — 
all actuated by noble impulses; and you'll realize that the 
good in the world is active, persistent, and varied, just as 
the evil is. 

" And would it be so, if the evil were not there to spur it 
on? 

" Our experience answers, ' No. We have two large 
political parties in the United States, and we get the best 
results from the one in power when both are nearly bal- 
anced: when the dominant one is overwhelmingly in the 
majority, corruption, bribery, and arrogance are rampant — 
it requires the bit and check-rein to keep it in the straight 
path, and these restraints are put on by the opposition — 
those who have the moral courage to fight against evil, 
and who are thereby spurred on by that evil to do good.' 

" Tweed insolently asked New York what it was going 



Through the Patagontan Channels 249 

to do about his robbery: he speedily found out — it roused 
the right minded to action and the thieves went down to 
disgrace and death in convicts' stripes. Later, Tweed's 
political heir arrogantly boasted that he was working for 
his pocket all the time — thus epitomizing the creed of his 
organization — to force tribute from the people, either for 
carrying out the laws which, as public officers, they were 
already well paid to do; or for winking at infractions of the 
law, when such suited the bribers: an organization (to 
paraphrase the words of an able writer) which closes 
against young men of talents that broad noble entrance 
to a career which belongs to them and which ought to stand 
wide open to them; and in exchange, forces them into a 
by-entrance — through its own sewer, low and narrow, 
always obscure, often filthy, and through which they can 
pass only by crawling on their hands and knees before 
some coarse, arrogant boss; and from which they can 
emerge only sullied with stains never to be washed away. 

"Graft, graft, graft! among high and low — from tene- 
ment and brothel — from saloon and gambling den- — for 
building a residence, or tearing down a rookery! Even 
in legitimate pursuits, often the official has to be 'seen' 
ere he will act in the performance of duty, or abstain from 
a course that is devised to worry and harass — a subtle, 
pernicious, intangible system; so crooked and artfully 
concealed, that the trail is difficult to trace. The grafters 
got fat with money and insolent in speech — so grossly 
corrupt that it shocked the community into spasmodic 
activity: they turned the grafters out; and temporarily, 
at least, the bad was held in leash, and the good spurred to 
action. 

" Recent elections have dealt a stunning blow to bossism 



250 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

in many States and shattered political machines every- 
where: their vicious methods roused the sense of right, 
and it showed its power by sweeping the malefactors from 
office and putting in those with reputations for integrity. 

" Look at the case of Governor Hughes in New York — 
a republican chosen in spite of his party machine: see 
further, the fine discrimination of the voters in electing 
him! His opponent — the owner of many newspapers was 
singled out for defeat: it was a stinging blow, the whole 
State Democratic ticket elected, him alone excepted — 
its head! and in his place a republican, who has proved 
to be the most upright, able, and efficient governor New 
York ever had; and he has been re-elected. 

"Look again at the case of San Francisco — for years 
a cesspool of municipal iniquity: bribery in its coarsest 
forms luring city officials until their administration (sup- 
ported by a corrupt labor element) became a by- word for 
all that was debased in politics! Well, men of principle 
attacked the situation — arrested, tried, and imprisoned 
both bribers and bribed — elected men of integrity and 
ability in their stead, and to-day the Golden Gate City 
has the prospect of becoming a clean, honest municipality. 

"The extensive evils of the insurance companies — the 
deceit, fraud, theft, and bribery practised by presidents, 
trustees, directors, clerks, agents, and go-betweens of all 
degrees — even this whole net-work of wrong has had its 
rebound in the laws enacted as a result of its exposure; 
and as for the criminals exposed — many a name has been 
blackened, and no man is gratified by such notoriety; 
it is a goad that will lash him to the grave, and his memory 
beyond — a wholesome warning to others. 

" All the rascality of commercial life which is now com- 



Through the Patagonian Channels 251 

ing to light is likewise rousing not only those who think 
deeply, but also the great body of the people. This coun- 
try does not belong alone to the few thousands who own 
yachts, automobiles, opera boxes, private cars, residences 
in town and country, and all the other appendages of the 
idle rich; nor yet to the few hundred thousands incor- 
porated in companies who are sucking the honey from every 
industry: but to the millions who labor with brain and 
brawn to earn a living — men and women actuated, in the 
main, by honest motives: these, also, have a share in this 
land and a right to get from it an equitable return for their 
toil. 

"If one trust can successfully invoke constitutional 
authority for supplying uneatable meat, and another cites 
Divine fee simple for its ownership of mines, to give us 
coal or not as it pleases and at what price it chooses: if 
this arrogant self assertion is based on constitutional right, 
then that right can be abridged by supplementary enact- 
ments. The constitution was framed for simple conditions 
of society, when fair dealing was dominant: but since its 
adoption, great public franchises have come into existence, 
the necessaries of life have often been cornered by specu- 
lators, and cheating in every day transactions has become 
the rule. An epidemic of falsity in word and deed has 
grown up such as the country never before saw, and which 
was not even suspected until a short time ago; but grand 
juries and investigating committees are unearthing it all, 
and the law will eventually grapple with it — successfully, 
let us hope. 

"Only a short time ago, a high insurance official went 
on the witness stand, and with a jaunty air — as if deserving 
the plaudits of the multitude, told of using the policy 



252 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

holders' money to elect the candidates of a political party: 
do you think he would do so to-day? Hardly; since his 
act has been stigmatized by the chief justice of the highest 
court of New York as larceny : ' The meritorious character 
of the objects to which the money was appropriated, has 
no bearing upon the question of larceny. The gist of that 
offense is not the application of money to a bad purpose, 
but taking money that does not belong to the taker, to 
appropriate to an object, good or bad. It is the fraudulent 
deprivation of an owner of his property that constitutes 
larceny. It is a crime to steal, even though with the intent 
to give away in charity and relieve distress.' And under 
the force of public condemnation, the culprit has restored 
to the policy holders, fifty-four thousand dollars. 

" The air has cleared a little — the hazy views of honesty 
and truth entertained by him and his kind have received 
sharper definition ; and it will be the same with every other 
befogged tenet of the 'higher law' which such men have 
devised to screen their astounding practises. 

" The viciousness of the demon is deeply rooted in man, 
but so also is the beneficence of God; and the struggle of 
both seems to be the means devised to keep our faculties 
bright and progressive: why it is so, I cannot say — I 
merely state the fact ; but I am nevertheless firmly of opin- 
ion that man's moral side can be greatly strengthened by 
cultivation. He is not a passive weather vane to yield 
to every impulse of heredity or whim of environment. 

" To amplify upon a statement of Mr. Northrup, take the 
case of our physical organs: when a child reaches the age 
of five, if his eyes are examined by an oculist, he will dis- 
cover any defect, and apply the remedy : if this be repeated 
every few years until he is twenty, the boy will have sight 



Through the Patagqnian Channels 253 

of a very different kind from what it would be if some slight 
ailment had been allowed to develop. Similarly with the 
teeth: arrest the first symptom of decay — fill the pin-point 
hole — bestow daily care on them — and the youth may 
confidently expect that in old age he will not be dependent 
on a few jagged stumps. Likewise with the hearing: 
have the ears and nose examined — stop the incipient 
catarrh, and avoid the senile ear trumpet, that fearful 
cut-off to cornpanionability. The much abused stomach 
is such a fount of ailments — indigestion, eczema, head- 
ache, constipation, and a host of other ills, that were we 
only warned in early life of their number and gravity, we 
would bestow the greatest care on what we eat. 

" Now tell me, if you find a child practising petty deceits, 
telling little lies, stealing trifles — insincere, hypocritical, 
or otherwise showing the germ of an evil tendency, can 
you not work against these traits as successfully as against 
the defective eye or tooth ? Whatever the moral ailment, 
there is no doubt that it can be treated (if taken in its early 
stages) with at least the same prospect of correction as 
exists in the case of bodily diseases; and we are made for 
strife in the moral field as well as in the intellectual and 
physical. 

" Placidity — moving with the current — always trimming 
one's sails to every whiff of self-ease, this takes the back- 
bone out of man: whereas activity, even when vicious 
(which eventually rouses strong forces to combat it), 
brings out all the sparkle, energy, and strength of character 
there is in man. And it is only success through effort that 
satisfies and exalts : the man who inherits wealth may have 
the enjoyments it can buy, but he has not experienced the 
pleasure of acquiring it; so, too, the boy whom the tutor 



254 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

assists through an intricate problem sees the solution, but 
he doesn't feel the pride and gratification of having worked 
it out himself, nor is the process as clear and impressive. 

" And strife is everywhere : look at any part of the United 
States to-day — what a ferment! political, financial, muni- 
cipal, and social; the struggle between railroads and peo- 
ple regarding rates and rebates; the squeezing of water 
out of swollen stock; the pursuit of defaulting bank offi- 
cials; the effort to curb the adulterater of food as well as 
the adulterous concubine; the trial, conviction, and 
imposition of heavy fines on corporate malefactors; and 
even the stage is a reflex of the contention going on, for 
the two most popular plays for years (The Lion and the 
Mouse, and The Man of the Hour, drawing crowded 
houses until millions have been stirred by what they 
exhibit) represent the strife of the day. 

" Can it be doubted that all this vigorous canvassing of 
everything in our daily life will have an ultimate salutary 
effect — a better understanding of rights and obligations — 
a clearing of the ethical atmosphere ?" 

Brooks finished, and all were highly pleased with his 
discourse. At their earnest request, he promised to deliver 
another little speech soon again. 

Port Grappler. 

The next morning was clear and crisp — too clear to 
continue throughout the day; for like the stillness that 
precedes the storm, an exceptionally bright dawn often 
presages a fitful, cloudy day; and so it proved in this case. 

At seven bells all hands went to breakfast : on turning to, 
the Captain directed the First Mate to take the deck and 
send down the to 'gallant and royal yards and masts and 
all other top hamper, as sail could not be used until they 



Through the Patagonian Channels 255 

entered the Straits of Magellan. While Colburn was on 
the poop watching this work, the Doctor and Mr. Northrup 
came up and joined him. 

" Have you ever been through these Channels, Captain ?" 
said the Doctor. 

" Never," was the answer. 

"Don't you feel some anxiety — a little nervousness 
about the English Narrows ?" 

" Well, I have the same anxiety that you, Doctor, would 
no doubt feel about an operation you undertook for the 
first time; or that Mr. Northrup here would experience in 
a complicated case before a court entirely new to him : but 
as each of you would prepare for his work by anticipatng 
every possible contingency, so have I; and I guess we'll 
get through all right. Heaven helps him who helps him- 
self, you know: that's my motto." 

"And the only true one" — added Northrup. 

The English Narrows have the shape of the letter S 
with sharp curves — a contracted gorge or gullet through 
which the volume of water on either side surges with the 
ebb and flow of every tide: hence the velocity between 
periods of slack water is very great, and the eddies are 
liable to take the bow and force the ship on one of the short 
bends of the shore. Slack water lasts but a few minutes, 
and even this has not the stillness of other places — there is 
always some movement, and it is full of whirls: besides, 
rocks and shoals exist at both ends of the Narrows; and 
on these various accounts, it is justly a source of anxiety 
to all who undertake its passage. 

The Mate having made everything taut and trim, the 
anchor was hove up, catted, and fished; and the ship 
headed for the broad water outside Gray Harbor: there, she 



256 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

was put through the manoeuvre she should subsequently 
perform — the helm was first put rapidly to port and the 
ship described the first curve, then it was righted, and put 
quickly hard a starboard, and she turned through the sec- 
ond bend — all to ensure easy movement of the wheel ropes 
and rudder. 

The Captain now took charge on the bridge, and the 
other officers and men went to their stations — the First 
Mate to the forecastle and the Second Mate to the wheel, 
with two quarter-masters; the Third Mate and a boat's 
crew were lined up near one of the cutters, ready to lower 
in case of need ; the relieving tackles were hooked and led 
along with a petty officer and four men to work them, if 
accident occurred to the helm; the jib and spanker were 
loosed, with some of the crew at hand to man the gear, 
should a breeze favor, and either sail be needed to assist the 
helm; a lookout with binocular glasses was in the foretop 
to report shoal water or other dangers, the engineer had 
been ordered to have clean fires and a full head of steam, 
and with his assistants was in the engine and fire rooms; 
an alert man was at the engine room hatch to pass the 
word from the bridge to the engineer in case of misunder- 
standing through the speaking tubes; leadsmen were in the 
chains on each side to take continuous soundings; and all 
were alive and watchful to move as directed by the Captain 
on the bridge. 

The ship stood on for the Narrows. Brooks and North- 
rup went on the forecastle where they could see everything. 

"The Captain has certainly taken every precaution 
for safety," said Northrup. 

" Yes," answered Brooks; " and if mishap comes, it won't 
be through any fault of his." 



Through the Patagonian Channels 257 

"Too many precautions," muttered the First Mate: 
ee who the hell ever heard of wheel ropes parting in smooth 
water like this, that relieving tackles should be got up ?" 

"I have," said a firm voice; and all turned to see that 
Ned Gower was the speaker, who stood defiantly eying the 
Mate, as he continued: "more than that, Mr. Hawse; I 
saw the wheel ropes jam so they had to be cut, to use the 
relieving tackles; a man fall overboard; and the ship run 
aground — all at the same time, and in the still water run- 
ning up to Cartagena in Columbia: you don't know the 
place, I guess — merchantmen don't often go there: this 
happened on a man-of-war — the Seminole, Flagship of 
the West India Squadron." 

"Of course," sneered Hawse; "those accidents are 
common in the Navy." 

" No, they're not; no more than in the merchant service; 
and if it weren't for the care they take in the Navy, they'd 
have many more than they do, on account of the compli- 
cations they deal with." 

Hawse moved away from the Boatswain as if to avoid 
further contradiction ; and Northrup, surprised at Gower's 
bold manner, looked at Brooks as if to say, " Can these 
things be ?" 

"Yes sir; that's how it is," whispered a voice at Brooks' 
elbow, and he recognized the son of the Emerald Isle who 
used to entertain them with song and dance until Hawse 
taunted him with acting like a monkey. 

"Didn't you hear how the Boatswain choked the luff 
of the Mate out in the Pacific — No ? O, Hawse isn't the 
same bully any more": and with many a side glance at him 
while pretending to lay up a rope, he told of Gower's 
prowess, with much high coloring and many humorous 



258 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

comments. It must be said that his auditors were not 
moved to tears by the account. Now it was clear why, 
of late, the crew came around in such numbers when any 
little entertainment was going on among the passengers — 
they no longer feared Hawse. 

"I don't like that cloudiness to the southward," said 
Brooks: "it is right over the Narrows, and it would be 
hard luck for Colburn, if after all the fine weather in the 
easy part of the Channels, he had it thick at the most 
dangerous point." 

The ship kept on — straight for the western shore, so 
as to open up well the entrance to the Narrows before 
heading in: the weather was fine, crisp, and clear all 
around, except where Brooks indicated. 

Finally, the bow swung slowly to port and pointed 
fair for the middle of the contracted passage: it seemed a 
cul de sac, for they could see only the first bend, lying 
almost across the course, the rest of the crook being hidden 
by the southern bank of the middle curve. The helm 
was righted — she went straight on; then hard a port and 
she swung gracefully through the first bend: then right 
the helm just as she almost touched the bank of the port 
shore; and finally, hard a starboard, and she began swing- 
ing into the second and last bend of the passage. At this 
critical moment, as if belched out by some Mont Pelee, a 
mass of mist overspread the lower part of the Narrows, 
and Colburn had to strain his eyes to see his way through 
the obscurity and the dangerous shoals that lie around the 
lower exit. But the ship got through beautifully — obey- 
ing every movement of the helm as easily as a duck moves 
upon the water; and although none of the Captain's prep- 
arations was needed, still it was a satisfaction to know that 



Through the Patagonian Channels 259 

any emergency could readily be met: attention to small 
things in advance prevents many an accident; and it is 
the secret of success. 

Worry did not cease with leaving the Narrows, however: 
all day the route lay through a wide, almost straight 
channel ; but so strewn with rocks, shoals, and floating kelp, 
that the course through it was full of anxiety. The 
weather was soft and enervating, and the air was saturated 
with vapor — it made both mind and body limp : a fine fog 
hid the headlands, making it difficult to distinguish them, 
and when evening came, the ship turned into Port Grappler 
for the night. It now turned raw with a cold drizzle. 

A canoe came alongside with a family of Patagonian 
Indians — male and female, children, and babe in arms, 
and all mostly in a state of nature. They were the first 
human beings seen in the Channels, and when brought 
on board and given food and clothing, they afforded much 
merriment by the inadequacy and incongruity of the 
articles they put on : the father donned a helmet and an old 
collar — nothing else; the mother spread a blue shirt about 
her loins; and a young girl tied one of the Wenonah's gilt 
cap ribbons around her neck, but otherwise her raiment 
verged closely on the "altogether." Whether duplicity or 
simplicity prompted their action, cannot be stated — they 
saw it created laughter and were content to afford it; 
tucking away, however, the other garments and food given 
them. 

They appeared dull and stupid — a loworder of humanity: 
short of stature, stunted in growth, pot-bellied, with scowl- 
ing features, and a heavy thatch of black hair hanging over 
their foreheads. One involuntarily asked himself — " Is 
this the lowest round of the human ladder?" The top, 



260 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

which we claim to occupy, is certainly far above — so high, 
that it seems forever beyond their reach ; and it is incredible 
that any gradation can supply the intermediate steps: we 
seem to form one race — they, another; with little more 
in common than the mere physical form, speech, and a 
soul. 

Molyneux Sound, Conception Channel. 

At dawn the Wenonah was again wending her way 
through the devious channels — in and out between islands 
— round capes and jutting headlands — midst grand 
scenery, varied by cascades, glaciers, and waterfalls. 
The day was glorious — dry, clear, and invigorating — full 
of the snap of autumn. Several whales were in sight not 
far from the ship, spouting foam into the air. And the 
distant mountains, even the hills close to, were capped 
with snow, which shone bright in the sun. 

Early in the afternoon the ship came to anchor in Moly- 
neux Sound, it being too far to the next harbor to make it 
by daylight. There was visible from this anchorage 
a peak nearly four thousand feet high which has been 
appropriately named Singular Peak: none on board had 
ever seen such a peculiar freak — such a monstrosity of 
nature. 

The shore around the ship had an attractive appearance, 
so the boats were lowered and all took to the woods : it put 
new spirits into everybody to breathe the odor of vegeta- 
tion and feel the freedom of stretching his limbs — to jump 
if he wished, to run if so willed, or to play at leap-frog if 
inclined to the pranks of youth. Oft-times it is well to be 
a boy again — full of the mirth of joyful impulses. 

In the evening Brooks was reminded of his promise 
to deliver a little lecture; so when his audience had gathered 



Through the Patagonian Channels 261 

he was surprised to see its size — the other passengers of 
course were there, but also all the officers including Hawse 
and Sam Ruggles, with most of the petty officers and 
many of the crew. 

" I am afraid I shall disappoint you in the subject I've 
chosen," he began: "I have not the stock of humorous 
anecdotes that Mr. Northrup could amuse you with, nor 
have I at all the faculty of telling a story well ; I shall there- 
fore follow the old adage — 'Each jack to his trade' — and 
talk to you of some matters with which I am in a measure 
acquainted. I shall endeavor to point out a characteristic 
that runs through all nature — the periodic recurrence of 
the same phenomena — extreme of one kind following 
extreme of its opposite — the cycle of specific results from 
the same causes. 

" Toward noon yesterday we passed through the English 
Narrows when the tide was at its highest — later, it reached 
its lowest: to-day, the same rise and fall occurred; to- 
morrow it will be repeated, and the next day, and the next, 
and so on until the moon shall stop in its orbit and the 
earth cease to circle round the sun. This may be called 
the cycle of the tides — due to both sun and moon. 

"But more important than this mechanical movement, 
is the great cycle of water change: as invisible vapor it 
rises from the ocean and forms the feathery clouds that 
shield us from the sun; or it saturates the air, depresses 
our spirits and irritates our nerves; or it congeals as snow, 
solidifies as the glacier, and slowly pushes down the valley 
to form the source of mountain torrents that later will 
become a broad stream to irrigate the plain; or it con- 
denses into water, percolates the earth, and appears as a 
mineral spring to rejuvenate man; or it gathers in the dark 



262 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

nimbus mass, falls as rain, cleanses the atmosphere, and 
collects in lakes to diversify the landscape and prevent that 
aridity which would otherwise be the fate of the soil. 
Finally, after thus supplying animal and vegetable life 
with needed moisture, it flows as river, creek, or brook, 
down to the sea, there to constitute the great highways 
between nations — and again rise as vapor, and once more 
go through the same cycle of water, snow, and glacier. 

" Less evident than this circulation of the water, are the 
transformations of the land: by volcanic eruption the 
primeval rock is rent and lifted into prominence; it crum- 
bles under the influence of air and moisture — is carried 
down by rivers — forms the fertile soil of their bottom lands 
— proceeds onward in the freshet — is deposited as sediment 
in deltas — becomes solidified in layers — and hardened 
into rock until the earth's upheaval again raises it to go 
through the same succession of gravel, soil, stratified sand, 
and flinty rock — the geological cycle, in which the same 
material is worked over and over again. 

" All animal and vegetable matter is composed of a few 
elementary substances — carbon, sulphur, phosphorus, 
oxygen, nitrogen, etc.: these exist in earth, air, and water: 
the growing plant draws them from the air and soil — cows 
and sheep feed upon the plant — and man lives on beef and 
mutton. In time all animate nature decays, and their 
elementary particles are rendered up to earth, air, and 
water — again to reproduce the varied animal and vegetable 
life; and thus we have the recurrent circulation of the ele- 
mentary substances — the chemical cycle. 

"We are all familiar with atmospheric convulsions — 
the clouds that gather in ominous, jagged masses, and the 
close, oppressive stillness that portends the storm: then a 



Through the Patagonian Channels 263 

thunder bolt rends the air — the tension is relieved — the 
rain falls — and within an hour the sky is serene. All the 
aerial envelope had been wrought up to a strained condi- 
tion — the outburst came — and equilibrium was restored. 
There are natures like that — sensitive feelings worked up 
by vexatious surroundings until they can bear it no longer 
— then comes the angry explosion, and to it succeeds a 
period of placidity : this may be called the cycle of temper, 
and most of us have experienced it. 

"On the daily weather map we see the lines of baro- 
metric pressure grouped around various centres — here, a 
High; there, a Low: they are the hills and valleys of the air, 
and must be levelled ere we have a calm; and the higher 
the peak and deeper the chasm, the more violent will be 
the wind until uniformity of pressure is restored. And 
this, too, is typical of our fluctuations of temper. 

"Within the Tropics we know that (except during a 
hurricane) the daily maxima and minima of the barometer 
vary within narrow limits, generally less than the tenth 
of an inch: there are natures like that, also, which move 
on in even tenor — the balance wheels of human inter- 
course. They have their use, and so have the fiery tem- 
pers: the one smooths down the every day harshness of 
word and manner — the other is ever ready for hazard and 
bold enterprise. Their alternation — again the cycle of 
temperament — keeps the world progressing in healthy 
pace: the pall of mere placidity would make it stagnant, 
while the whirl of erratic action would cause it to fly to 
pieces. 

"Extremes in the moral order are not unknown — a 
hysteria of crime follows a reign of good behavior: it may 
be likened to a ship about to plunge from the crest of a 



264 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

wave — the stern is out of water and the propeller races; 
but when she reaches the trough of the sea, it goes its 
regular pace. 

" Of natural phenomena there are many closely related 
which have their maxima and minima about the same time, 
and indeed some are entirely synchronous, or recur in 
unison, just as two clocks tick together: I shall speak 
specifically of but two such occurrences — sun spots and 
magnetic storms. There are spots on the sun, and their 
number varies — increasing during a period of about six 
years, when a maximum is reached ; then falling off during 
a period of about five years, when a minimum occurs: 
thus, every eleven years we have either their greatest or 
least number, according to which event we reckon from. 

"A magnetic storm is a commotion of a medium that 
pervades all space, and which affects magnetic needles, 
as, for instance, our compasses; though, in truth, it is only 
small, delicately poised wires — literally needles — that 
indicate its smallest movements. The air may have the 
stillness of a calm, and yet a magnetic storm be raging in 
which magnetic needles and telegraphic instruments 
move in fine frenzy, or rather in wild erratic motion. 
And yet these magnetic storms do not come hap-hazard, 
but with singular regularity of maxima and minima; and, 
strange to say, their extremes always occur almost at the 
same time as the events of greatest and least number of 
spots on the sun. 

"Such coincidence of two remote occurrences — one on 
the earth and the other on the sun — suggests a bond of 
union between them; and indeed such is conceived to be 
the case : this bond is the ether of space, because it is sup- 
posed to fill all space — the interstices of matter as well as 



Through the Patagonian Channels 265 

the boundless distances that extend unto the heavenly 
bodies. The nature of this ether is mostly a matter of 
conjecture: we may liken it to the air — a tenuous, highly 
elastic medium; and this figment will roughly fulfill our 
purpose, that is, supply a material bond to unite all the 
bodies of the solar and stellar systems. 

" The air, as we know, extends only a few miles beyond 
the earth — enveloping it as the rind does an orange; but 
the ether of space pervades the universe, and is the seat 
of the last great cycle I shall mention — the magnetic: this 
has a daily oscillation — a monthly rise and fall — a yearly 
maximum and minimum — and other recurrent fluctuations 
which require centuries to complete — grand movements 
upon which all the lesser ones are superposed in regular 
gradation. 

"It is always gratifying to turn to the achievements of 
mind in the study of matter: and nowhere will an instance 
of higher intelligence be found than in the expression of 
this universal feature of cycles by symbols — a mathe- 
matical formula which disentangles as readily the com- 
plicated notes of a musical harmony as it separates the 
component parts of a tidal wave, or the superposed devia- 
tions of a final compass curve. And this is what was ac- 
complished by an eminent French mathematician — 
Joseph Fourier. You saw its practical application a few 
weeks ago when our Captain swung ship out in the Pacific. 
The investigation of these cycles of nature affords immense 
pleasure as well as profit to the mind. 

" If the system of the universe — the motions of the 
heavenly bodies and the laws of their movement had been 
revealed en bloc to man, where would the gratification be 
that Copernicus, Keppler, Gallileo and their followers 



266 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

experienced in seeking the hidden truth ? Where the just 
elation of the mathematical intellect that constructs 
analytical methods for dealing with physical problems ? 
If the instruments and uses of electricity had been placed 
before us as by the touch of a magician, where would the 
intense pleasure of invention be — the acute activity of 
mind — that ecstacy one feels when his products astound the 
world and bring fame and profit? Lost — all lost! 

"And similarly would be lost the happiness we derive 
from all our achievements through long effort. 

" God has given us the faculties to do, and left us free to 
perform : only, we must abide by the results of our action — 
suffer the penalties if we break His law, whether physical 
or moral. 

" Man is loth to break the civil law — even to transgress 
the conventionalities of society, because the punishment 
is swift and merciless: but the celestial jail is remote and 
hidden, and Divine judgments are not hastily executed: 
they are reserved for a future state — the probationary 
period is here and now; but ultimate justice will come, and 
it may not be tempered with mercy. Woe betide the man 
who takes no heed of the warnings to amend his vicious 
ways! Dives, on earth, did no good with his riches; but 
writhing in hell, he sought to warn his brethren in the 
flesh — but could not: they had Moses and the Prophets, 
but hearkened not to them — and no messenger ever came 
from beyond the grave to reveal its secrets. Struggle 
and endeavor are the essence of our existence in the 
moral as well as in the material field; and it is only those 
who labor that advance the cause of humanity — not those 
who dawdle through life, lounging in palatial clubs during 
winter and lolling in luxurious yachts in summer — men 



Through the Patagonian Channels 267 

whose thoughts and occupations are bounded by polo and 
baccarat — who gorge and guzzle and pander to their 
appetites: they eat, drink, and are merry now, but to- 
morrow they will die; and then, like Dives, they may wish 
to send warning to the revellers in the flesh, but these have 
Moses and the Prophets, yet they heed them not." 

It is doubtful whether all who heard Brooks understood 
either the explicit meaning or the tenor of his speech; but 
all were deeply and favorably impressed: it was wholly 
new to most of them, and in a vague, hazy way they re- 
ceived some good inspiration from it. Besides, it was in 
language that did not desceDd to what is commonly sup- 
posed to be the only kind intelligible to the sailor; and this 
gratified them. It is a great mistake to come down to the 
lowest level of one's audience either in speech, manner, 
or apparel: it makes the condition conspicuous and 
wounds the self esteem. Brooks knew his hearers, and 
although he could readily use the language that was 
familiar to them, he did not commit the blunder of doing it. 
Puerto Bueno, Canale de los Inocentes. 

The Patagonian Channels, like the boulevards of Paris, 
take a new name at every radical turn; but the turns are 
more abrupt and the course more tortuous than with the 
boulevards. 

The weather continued fine, and the scenery much the 
same as on the preceding day; so the run afforded the quiet 
pleasure that had been their good fortune since entering 
the Gulf of Penas. Toward evening the Wenonah came 
to anchor in the picturesque little harbor of Puerto Bueno. 
Still no habitations — no life. 

Brooks' discourse was a revelation to Northrup: it dis- 
closed a variety and solidity of information that his daily 



268 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

conversation gave few signs of; and Northrup well knew 
that no surface skimming of books could give the pith of 
the matters spoken of with such a delicate yet firm touch. 
With the lawyer's instinct for acquiring exact information 
regarding his surroundings, he now set about sounding the 
depths of Doctor Austin. 

"Doctor, what are your views regarding the sources 
of pleasure and profit to man — do you consider the condi- 
tion of strife all that our friend Brooks claims for it ?" 

"Yes; and I could do little more than amplify on what 
he said. I believe that real happiness comes only from 
occupation — active, engrossing work, which we go to in 
the morning and quit at night with the consciousness that 
by the labor of the day we have advanced the general 
cause of humanity as well as our own individual interests. 
Then we feel satisfaction and pleasure such as the man 
cannot, who fritters away his time — no object in view — no 
employment for his energy, more than the growing plant 
or the savage of the forest has. 

" But besides serious work, there are many occupations 
which abound with pleasure, not only in their pursuit, but 
subsequently in spreading happiness among others. 

" Consider the writer of fiction : he lives with the crea- 
tures of his fancy, joining in their laughter, speaking their 
language, and, if his book be good, imparting this happy 
vein to countless readers. 

"Then the delight — the ecstacy, I may say, of the 
musical composer; and what multitudes respond sympa- 
thetically to his work ! The favorite airs of the old operas 
alone have stirred the hearts of millions, while the simple 
ballads of a race have set a whole nation humming. 
There is the patriotic chord — the American thrills at the 



Through the Patagonian Channels 269 

sound of the Star Spangled Banner; the German shakes 
off his phlegm at Die Wacht Am Rhein, and the French- 
man is inflamed by the Marseillaise. The majestic strains 
of the Stabat Mater send a lugubrious, penetrating shiver 
through one; while the joyous Adeste Fideles awakens all 
the jubilant feeling of Christmas. So much for those 
who compose and those who listen; but think of the num- 
bers who spend hours in rapt delight with violin, guitar, 



lanoi 



and p 

" I might speak in like manner of the pleasures afforded 
by architecture, painting, the sciences, law, military life 
or commerce: even the skilled mechanic cannot be wholly 
devoid of gratification at the beautiful structure rising 
under his hand, humble though his part in it be, and 
cramped as it probably is by the repressive trade-union, 
which tends to reduce individuality of head and heart, as 
well as of hand, to one low level of mediocrity. 

"Now all this elation results from work — the condition 
of strife; and if what labor attains, were given us without 
effort, the pleasure, profit, and improvement attendant 
upon its acquisition would of course not exist. 

"Brooks spoke of Fourier's theorem: a man competent 
to deal with that must have gone through much anterior 
mathematical study — subsidiary branches essential to its 
comprehension : his view of the science is therefore broader 
than if it had been cut off at the numerical computations 
of arithmetic, or the primary equations of alegbra, or the 
geometrical simplicity of Euclid, or at any other stage of 
this labyrinth of symbols; but his vision would not take 
in the extensive field that a Descarte or a Laplace did, who 
saw through the most intricate tangle of mathematics. 

"I mean by this, that our appreciation of anything 



270 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

depends as much on the degree of knowledge we possess of 
it, as on the acuteness of our faculties. I have heard some 
loose users of word and phrase speak of a person as a fine 
mathematican, who was merely quick at figures. Such 
a one, no doubt, might discount a Lagrange in numerical 
computations; but his aptness is with the mere brick and 
mortar of the science, which, like the child, he piles into 
varied shape: the master mind, however, constructs the 
noble edifice and devises all its complexity; the former 
sees only what is flat upon the ground — the latter per- 
ceives what rises to the sky; the limitations of the one dwarf 
his view — the extensive knowledge and acute faculties 
of the other enable him to appreciate the grandeur and 
scope of his subject. And so it is with every other matter 
that comes within the range of human experience. Who, 
then, dare say that the auditory nerves of Jeanne d' Arc 
were not attuned to angel voices! Certainlv, her whole 
life was in harmony with the most refined perceptions. 

"I have spoken of the happiness derived from labor: 
there is another source, inexhaustible to both giver and 
receiver, which, although not strictly within the category 
of work, still requires some effort on the part of those not 
endowed with its tendency; I mean kindness — courtesy 
of word and manner toward all in the measure each is 
entitled to it. Of course I don't mean the surface polish 
that is put on when we choose, and dropped according 
to whim; this may be acquired by mere intercourse with 
the world; it is insincere — chiefly facial — contortional — 
a kindling of the eye — a set smile — a stereotyped phrase 
of greeting: it destroys nature in man and subverts true 
feeling. 

"As you sow — so will you reap: nothing truer. The 



Through the Patagonian Channels 271 

man who has a tendency to withdraw from his kind, will 
find that this grows with the years, until, in old age, the 
estrangement causes people to avoid him: he meets with 
no entente cordiale, but quite the contrary — porcupine 
quills, all on end. The craving for companionship may 
be in him, but it awakens no response — he even repels: 
people are disposed to take offence at his most trivial 
acts, whereas such, and much more, would be overlooked 
if he were on friendly terms with them. The germ of 
misanthropy should be strangled in early life both for our 
own sake and that of others : it is the small actions of daily 
intercourse that leave either the sting or the sense of 
pleasure. 

"The lubricants of social intercourse — the wine cup, 
the anecdote, and the cigar — are not the heritage of all; 
and they fit ill those natures to which they are exotic and 
upon which they are engrafted. Every nature has its 
own web and woof which adapts it to a particular course 
of conduct, just as the color, weight, and texture of cloth 
make it suitable for certain garments; but both nature 
and the garment can be made seemly and pleasing — it is 
all in the cut, fit, and trimming of the garment ; and in the 
proper training of the conduct. The wounds to others' 
feelings are the seeds of prejudices which we sow — 
eventually, they will become thorns to sting us. And it is 
not individual animosity alone we thus arouse: every 
confraternity will, to some extent, espouse the quarrels 
of its members; it is this well known trait that restrains 
the prudent man from relating his grievances to one who 
sympathises with the aggressor — his plaint is poured into 
hostile ears. 

"This is but a variant of the despicable boycott; and 



272 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

there is another evil, like unto it, due to association: any 
confraternity, as a body, has its tastes, prejudices, biases, 
opinions, likes, and dislikes, which are a medley of those 
of the individuals composing it; and these general limita- 
tions tend to mold every member to their form — he is in a 
measure restrained of his natural freedom of thought, word, 
and act: his opinions (unless he be of flint) are strongly 
tinctured with the bias of his social surroundings, or of 
his club, or political party, or religious belief. 

"But I wander from the answer to your question, Mr. 
Northrup: indeed, I fear I've been rambling for some time, 
and so will stop short." 

Isthmus Bay, Smyth Channel. 

At dawn the ship was again underway, with, however, 
but a short distance to run to the next anchorage — Isthmus 
Bay. This was a very pretty little shelter, hemmed in by 
hills covered with foliage which was brilliant with the 
changing hues of autumn. The day broke cloudy, dismal, 
and raw, with an occasional sprinkle of rain — such weather 
as damps the spirits and brings on gloomy thoughts: the 
month was March — the prelude to winter in this region, 
52° south latitude. During the run, the ship passed within 
view of a large glacier, the first that many on board had 
ever seen: it was of pale green, with extensive fields of snow 
around it, and high mountains in the remote distance — 
a grand Antarctic scene. 

If any one ever wondered where the toilsome ox finally 
laid aside his yoke, or the aged hen ceased from hatching 
multitudinous chickens, he would only have to go to sea 
and partake of the "prime roast beef" that is canned, or 
the "choice spring chicken" that is potted — the one as 
tough as rope yarns, and the other as tasteless as saw dust : 






Through the Patagonian Channels 273 

both are flagrant frauds on man's nutrition. For some 
days the supply of fresh meat and live stock laid in at 
Callao had been running short, and the meals were made 
up more and more of canned stuff variously disguised. 
Whatever may be said of preserved fruits and vegetables, 
little can be advanced in favor of the meats : true, they fill 
a yawning void, but supply no more nourishment than 
salt codfish, or food that is kept too long in cold storage. 

The benefits of cold storage have been greatly over-shot : 
it is now chiefly a means of flooding the market with un- 
wholesome food — fruit plucked when half ripe, which 
becomes mushy and void of juice; vegetables not fully 
grown, and insipid; fish that is flabby and malodorous; 
and meat that is little more than pulpy fibre. All this 
comes from keeping undeveloped food under the influence 
of cold until every vital principle is dead — dead in flavor — 
dead in nutriment — really decayed matter that is slowly 
poisoning those who, on account of its cheapness, are 
compelled to eat it. 

The weather was changing, and the food was having its 
effect : however humiliating it may be to acknowledge, still 
it is none the less true, that the stomach is our most power- 
ful organ for good or evil; feed it well, and we are disposed 
to be happy — a benefactor to man and beast ; but starve it, 
and we become splenetic, peevish, and malevolent. Thus 
when evening came, and a craving maw was the only 
remembrance our passengers had of the meal from which 
they rose, there was no disposition to make merry — even 
to take a charitable view of life. Northrup was asked to 
tell a story to raise their spirits. 

"No," he said; "the bears are in the ascendent to-day: 
I fear, Doctor, that you and Brooks have been bulling the 



274 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

market too much of late — lauding the good that is in man: 
now comes the reaction — the cycle of good and evil, eh, 
Brooks ? — and so I had better give vent to the spleen that 
is in us all. 

" What do I think of the self-made man ? I think that 
often he doesn't deserve success, his action toward those 
still on the low level from which he rose, is so contemptible. 
I have observed that when he becomes prosperous, he also 
becomes inflated. The arrogance of office is multiform: in 
one man it is due to the money he has made in some calling 
he should blush for; in another, to a social status recently 
acquired; in a third, to some public office he holds — a 
little brief authority; and in all it is the manifestation of a 
weak trait, whereby the head is turned and we lose sym- 
pathy for our struggling kind — forget that it was only 
yesterday we suffered the pangs that now appeal to us for 
succor. 

" Some people deem mere success — however attained — 
the only rule by which to measure man; and they mete out 
consideration or contempt accordingly : they look at results 
only — worship the shining sun, and forget that even when 
obscured, he shoots out rays as ardent as ever, to dissolve 
the temporary clouds. The man who hasn't succeeded, 
may have striven as hard as the one who did succeed; but 
luck was against him — a combination of circumstances 
which he could neither foresee nor control. 

"Not long ago, the name of a ship of our Navy was 
changed to avoid the odium of failure — a tribute to mere 
success: the Chesapeake, for want of time to shake down 
and organize, was wholly unprepared for action; yet 
Lawrence accepted the challenge of the Shannon and 
bravely fought his ship to death. So, Semmes sailed 



Through the Patagonian Channels 275 

out of Cherbourg to meet the Kearsarge with the well 
founded feeling that it was to defeat — yet he fearlessly went, 
and lost his ship. And so, too, Cervera crossed the At- 
lantic and made the sortie from Santiago with the convic- 
tion that only disaster awaited him. Now in all these 
cases, and numerous others that might be cited, the cour- 
age that fought and failed, was as deserving of emulation 
and praise as the courage that won — even more so; for 
besides the disparity in material resources, the inferior 
had to combat the moral depression of conscious weak- 
ness, while his opponent was buoyed up by the knowledge 
of superior strength : it is the spirit of the collie undaunted 
by the ferocity of the bull-dog. 

"In walking down Broadway, I come at intervals to a 
store that is occupied for awhile, and then for rent again: 
eventually, it falls into the clutches of a tramp tenant — 
a dealer in trunks or rugs who is forever selling off at cost : 
no one else will take it. The building itself is fine, the 
location excellent — why is it shunned like a haunted 
house? In its early days some slight occurrence brought 
it into disfavor — every recurring vacancy after a short 
rental only added to the ill repute, until finally it failed 
altogether of a steady tenant; and this chiefly through the 
mere frequency of its unoccupied periods. 

" So with the sensitive person coming into hostile condi- 
tions: these may be the weighty affairs of an important 
public office, or only the gossiping coterie of a summer 
hotel; he anticipates the adverse criticism that is fore- 
shadowed in look and manner, and has not long to wait 
for the glibly uttered word ; it worries him and disorganizes 
his forces even before he can bring them into action. This 
is the first assault — it weakens his powers and makes him 



276 The Voyage op the Wenonah 

more apprehensive for the next effort; that fails more 
easily; and so timidity grows until he is like the Broadway 
store — a failure! 

" And yet he had the faculties to succeed — his sensitive- 
ness denoted qualities both active and acute, and he needed 
only the grasp of good fellowship to encourage, not the cold 
shoulder to dishearten; but being over sensitive, his 
energies shrivelled at the chill of his surroundings. There 
are many whose non-success is due to this and not to in- 
capacity: the first criticism of a human viper sets the tide 
against them; and on it flows and gathers strength and 
volume until it swamps them. O, the viciousness of the 
calumniator! His influence is akin to that of the haunted 
house, the unlucky ship, or the churchyard grave — it 
intimidates, throws the nerves into trepidation, and upsets 
the normal condition, so that one is more likely to blunder. 
The sensitive person has a cog of his delicate mechanism 
thrown out of gear, and the whole organization works 
wrong; this, oft repeated, breaks down the spirit and 
weakens the character. It is well illustrated where the 
superior is forever finding fault with a subordinate — 
nagging him — irritating him until a state of apprehension 
is brought about which results in frequent mistakes. 

" Of course no one believes in the existence of a sprite 
in the haunted house, but none the less, we tread timor- 
ously in its vicinity. 

"So, with a new-comer into an unsympathetic com- 
munity, as, for instance, a new Captain to a ship already 
long in commission: he picks his steps tentatively, as 
through briars, over rough stones, or among pitfalls, in 
order to lessen the bias toward his predecessor or soften 
the prejudice against himself; what would otherwise be 



Through the Patagonian Channels 277 

bold action is made cautious, not through fear of any ghost 
or ghoul, but through the influences of the situation — the 
endeavor not to run counter to long established usage — 
the vested rights (as they regard them) of those he comes 
amongst. This is the new Captain's haunted house, and 
it tends to fritter away his efforts and reduce him to 
timidity. 

"And the agnostic voluntarily brings himself to this 
condition by his eternal ' / dont knoiv.' But the man who 
doesn't know, has nevertheless been told; and if he wishes 
ocular proof of both design and Designer in the plan of 
Earth, let him go, first to the Metropolitan Museum of 
Art in Central Park and look upon the multitudinous 
productions of man — the paintings; the statuary; the 
delicate tracery in gold and silver; the armor of curious 
shape; the laces of fine texture; the carvings in wood; 
the musical instruments remote and recent ; the pottery and 
glassware of exquisite workmanship; and a thousand other 
objects to prove genius — the faculties that thought, 
wrought, and moulded: then let him cross the Park to 
the Museum of Natural History and see what God has 
created — birds, countless in form, size, and variety of 
plumage; animals of astounding shape; fishes large and 
small; insects without number; and reptiles of every kind. 

"At one time they all moved — flew, ran, crawled or 
swam; now, their carcasses alone remain for our pastime 
or instruction — the breath has been taken from their 
bodies. Then there are the multitudes of other objects — 
shells of endless convolution ; corals of infinite ramification ; 
trees of every size — the stunted crab-apple, and the mag- 
nificent sequoia that germinated when Justinian reigned; 
the fruits of the orchard; the vegetables of the garden; the 



278 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

flowers of the field — all marvels of beauty and fragrance; 
and these, too, had their youth, prime, and decadence — 
a life which God alone can give, and man never produce. 

"When we see this animation in all its intricacy per- 
vaded by the most minute adaptation of means to ends — 
order, design, arrangement, system — we become faintly 
conscious of the immense Power that created it and have 
some knowledge of the signification of Omnipotence. 

" Truly, it was a fool that said in his heart — ' There is no 
God!"' 

Otter Bay, Mayne Channel. 

In the Spanish sailing directions for the Patagonian 
Channels will be found the following: El marino que 
desgraciadamente permanezca algun tiempo en estos 
canales, esperimentara dia a dia un perpetuo aguacero, a 
menos que le quepa en suerte uno de esos veranitos de 
precioso tiempo que suelen tener lugar: entonces hallara 
interesante la navegacion, gozando de una mar com- 
pletamente liana, de fondeadores abrigados y de escenas 
y perspectivas de un estilo el mas hermoso y pintoresco. 
Desgraciadamente, estas ocasiones son muy raras. 

The Wenonah had been a week in the Channels, and 
with the exception of the day in the English Narrows, had 
certainly been favored with one of those rare veranitos, 
or little summers. Now, however, the customary weather 
broke upon them — heavy squalls of wind and rain, with 
frequent black storms. The ship left Isthmus Bay at early 
daylight, notwithstanding a period of this kind was brewing 
— in fact, in embryo: it hatched rapidly, and was full 
fledged ere the ship made twenty miles — the rain fell, the 
wind blew, and the mist was so thick that it was only with 
difficulty the proper channel could be made out: at one 



Through the Patagonian Channels 279 

point in particular the difficulties became most perplexing 
— one passage was shown on the chart to have plenty of 
water and no dangers, while another was shallow and full 
of rocks; but both were in the midst of several openings, 
and how to distinguish between them was the question. 
The ship was going on, however — the wind continued in 
violent squalls — the rain beat in the face and blinded the 
vision — and yet the contours and grouping of the islands 
didn't change sufficiently to remove doubt as to the right 
channel. But ere long the Captain must decide — he must 
go through one of the openings: he slowed down to con- 
sider, but it was hard to keep the ship in any one direction 
with the heavy squalls from different points of the compass. 
It was one of those junctures so frequent in the career 
of the seaman — conditions out of which there is a safe and 
an unsafe course, but both so nearly balanced that it is 
puzzling which to take; yet the man on the bridge must 
think quickly and decide promptly — events occur in rapid 
succession, and he has not the time to weigh with nicety the 
evidence for either side. He has not the financier's 
deliberation for a premeditated coup — his blow must be 
swift and bold. In no man's career is more rapid action of 
the faculties demanded — action, too, which oft times brings 
disaster and death, if a mistake be made. Remember 
this — the forced draught under which the brain acts in 
dangerous emergencies, ye who would hastily pass judg- 
ment upon disasters at sea: remember it in particular, ye 
who are convoked in solemn conclave to inquire into the 
conduct of a fellow seaman who has come to grief. Ye 
sit in a quiet, comfortable room, around a table provided 
with charts, sailing directions, and every other aid to an 
understanding of the case; the facts are drawn from the 



280 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

witnesses and appear in type written sheets ; but they are 
bald and bare — they have not the vitality and accessories 
of the actual occurrence — they are only the partial, not the 
whole, truth: besides, ye of the court have ample time to 
consider them and form a deliberate judgment, whereas 
the man on the bridge had to think amidst the violence of 
the tempest, the rolling billows, the falling rain, and the 
ship meanwhile running into danger — all around him 
tumult and uproar, and possibly beneath him treachery, 
eager to thwart him for some fancied severity, and which 
will falsely color testimony to his injury — remember all 
this, ye who maturely consider the evidence, and hesitate 
lest it be ye who in the calmness of your decision are guilty 
of an error of judgment, and not the man who had to act 
amidst the turbulence of the events themselves. 

The ship kept on, while Colburn tried to peer through 
the mist for some sign that would indicate the true from 
the false route; but none appeared. 

From previous study of the charts and sailing directions, 
as well as from close observation of the lay of the land 
since getting under way, he had a fairly accurate grouping 
of the conditions in his mind ; but a mental picture derived 
from outlines on a chart is very inadequate — it lacks 
perspective, and often differs materially from the actual 
appearance of the islands and headlands themselves: the 
one is the bird's eye view from aloft — the other, the aspect 
presented from a single point in their midst, from which 
only certain features come into the field of vision. Colburn 
had only the former; so that it was almost through instinct 
— an intuitive impulse, rather than precise knowledge, that 
he finally headed the ship for one of the openings and 
increased her speed. In a few minutes he had the satis- 



Through the Patagonian Channels 281 

faction of seeing that lie was right; for the shoal water of 
the adjoining route appeared through the mist, and his 
anxiety ended in a heartfelt, "Thank God !" It might well 
have been otherwise — that the bones of the Wenonah 
might now be bleaching on the sands of Patagonia. 

But he had entered the passage and rounded the island 
only to find all ahead shut in with thick fog; he could not 
go on, so he regretfully turned into Otter Bay — a little cove 
close at hand. It was only the early forenoon, and he 
hoped the weather would soon clear and allow him proceed : 
again disappointment; the harbor was full of a soft, warm 
fog when he anchored, but in an hour it gave way to a 
wintry blast — the wind rose, snow fell, and the barometer 
indicated a storm. It came — in violent gusts, first from 
one direction and then another, as if each mountain peak 
held a pent-up blast to belch forth. The ship yawed and 
wrenched at her anchors — driving to starboard — darting 
to port — stretching out the chain until she all but touched 
the beach, and so on through the live long day and all the 
night. The starboard anchor had ninety fathoms veered 
on it, with the chain well stoppered ; while the port anchor 
was simply let go, and the compressor thrown back, so 
that any real dragging would be indicated by the port 
chain running out: but it surged only a few fathoms with 
each scend of the ship to a squall. The Wenonah was 
weather bound — in almost winter cold and a snow storm. 

To keep warm, Austin and Brooks rapidly paced the 
deck: the latter said, 

"Doctor, I have a little scheme which I'd like to lay 
before you." 

"What is it, George?" 

" Well, we shall soon enter the Straits of Magellan, and 



282 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

then our quiet nights at anchor will shortly be at an end: 
let us take advantage of the next one — say at Glacier Bay — 
to renew our little entertainments: I think they keep the 
men from brooding. I'll go among them and drum up 
recruits for the affair: I'll get the darkies with their banjos; 
the Irishmen for a clog dance; the Neapolitans for a boat 
carol; the Spaniards for guitar duet; the French sailors to 
sing the Marseillaise; and finally, Northrup to tell some 
amusing stories. But all this is only preliminary to 
the real purpose of my project. Northrup appears to 
have the faculty of giving clear, strong expression to what 
is evil in man : now, when he has got the boys all laughing, 
let him have the antithesis, and launch into an exposure 
of treachery and slander, especially on board ship. What 
do you think of it?" 

"Excellent; but will Northrup consent?" 

"I think so: he knows as well as we the conditions 
aboard here, and it will afford him an opportunity to cen- 
sure them, under the guise of a general talk." And so 
Brooks went to set the ball a-rolling. 

The following morning presented a weird, desolate, 
wintry scene — the mountains clothed with snow, the sky 
leaden and lowering, the wind gusty with heavy hail 
squalls, and the whole prospect wild in the extreme. 

At daylight the ship got underway and stood down 
Smyth Channel; and by ten o'clock she emerged from the 
last of these contracted passages and entered the broad 
waters of the Straits of Magellan. 



CHAPTER XV 

In the Straits of Magellan 

Glacier Bay. 

It was a relief to have some sea room, and Captain 
Colburn felt more in his element in the wide Straits where 
he could steer a course for some miles, than in the narrow 
channels where he had to make a tortuous route among 
the islands. With the longing of one set free from a 
cramped position to stretch himself, he ordered all sail 
set and stood for Glacier Bay at a good speed : here he ar- 
rived in the early evening. It was a picturesque harbor, 
which took its name from an immense glacier that extends 
from an elevation of four thousand feet down into the very 
bay, presenting a beautiful spectacle with its pale green 
tints. Indeed the ship anchored but a short distance 
from its extremity. 

Brooks had made every preparation for the evening 
entertainment (as set forth in the last chapter), and after 
dinner it was carried out according to programme. The 
enjoyment rose at each new piece, as if the desire for 
pleasure — long pent-up — was bound to have free flow; 
so that when Northrup began his stories, the company 
(including nearly all on board, even Hawse and Sam 
Ruggles) were at that point of hilarity which would laugh 
at any tale; but Northrup had chosen some of his best 
anecdotes for this occasion, and related them with fine 
spirit: the merriment had almost reached hysteria, when 

283 



284 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

suddenly, with all the gravity he could command, he said: 

"Now, my friends, you are light-hearted and happy; 
and is it not a pity you should ever be otherwise through 
an evil influence that stirs up discord among you — I mean 
in the seafaring community in general ? I allude to a 
trait in man which shows itself on board ship in disloyalty 
on the part of subordinates: I want to speak of this trait 
under two heads — slander and treachery; though, in 
truth, they usually run together. 

"The slanderous word germinates in the malicious 
thought, and bears its fruit in the treacherous deed: 
whoever slanders, does a disloyal act; and the defamatory 
current often runs into a morass of lies. 

"Treachery is of many varieties: on its infamous pin- 
nacle stands the betrayal of the Saviour of mankind; 
while in descending gradation we meet the treason of a 
Benedict Arnold, the deceptions of employee toward 
employer, the deceits of servant toward master, and those 
numerous petty disloyalties of subordinate toward superior 
in the life at sea. 

"What is assailed in all these cases? Reputation — 
Character: they are not identical, though often used one 
for the other. Certain traits are distinctive in every 
individual: facial expression, walk, speech, and general 
deportment — these separate man from man and are an 
index of character. The calumniator can influence them; 
for his petty lies may rain down so heavy on a sensitive 
person as to beget the uncertain gait, the hesitating 
speech, the hunted look, or the timid manner. But it 
is on Reputation — what people think of a man — his good 
or evil repute — that the slanderer does his most effective 
work : ' The tongue . . . [is] an unquiet evil, full of deadly 



In the Straits of Magellan 285 

poison; by it we bless God . . . , and by it we curse 
men, who are made after the likeness of God.' 

"That great delineator of human wickedness — Shak- 
spere — has depicted every shade of treachery and slander; 
but nowhere with so much skill and vigor as in the charac- 
ter of Iago — a wretch unsurpassed for baseness: the 
intimate who wins your confidence in order to betray it — 
the hypocrite who professes friendship and fails to defend 
you — the subordinate who simulates loyalty, and stabs 
you in the back: Iago is repugnant with the half lie and 
the treacherous deed under the guise of a kindly act. 
Let me say a word about him: 

" Othello — a dusky Moor and General of great military 
achievement — is in the service of Venice: he makes one 
Cassio his Lieutenant — a position which Iago coveted 
and expected. 

"The play opens with a colloquy between Iago and a 
certain Rodrigo regarding Cassio 's appointment, in which 
Iago derides Cassio 's unfitness for the place — that he was 
no soldier — saw no more of battle than a spinster — and 
knew of war only its theory : whereas he, Iago, had proved 
his valor on many a bloody field under the very eyes of 
Othello. 

"That such a one should be the Lieutenant, and he 
himself only the Moor's Ancient — a low down subordinate 
— a kind of valet ! — was most humiliating. 

"Here, my friends, is the motive of his treachery — 
balked ambition. He failed to get the billet he wanted, 
where he could vaunt his authority and disport his pride. 
And there is to-day many a ship sailing the sea in which 
similar conditions prevail : the subordinate is restive under 
control, and vents his bile in railing at the superior; the 



286 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

Mate slanders the Captain, treats his orders with con- 
tumely (behind his back), feigns sympathy with the crew, 
exaggerates their hardships, encourages their growls, 
and generally stirs up discord among all on board. Why ? 
Iago gives the reason — at least one reason : 'Tis the curse 
of service — preferment goes by letter and affection, and 
not by old gradation, where each second stood heir to the 
first.' Yes, there is a vital principle involved in this 
statement, not only for the military life, but also for the 
naval — even its mercantile branch. Seniority has a just 
claim to advancement: whoever has grown up in a pro- 
fession — has had its practice harden his muscle and its 
intricacies permeate his brain, is entitled to its benefits — 
the vacancy when it occurs — the desirable duty when it 
arises. And not to give it (unless on account of unfitness) 
— to prefer the stranger or promote the man out of his 
turn — is to plant a thorn in the heart of the rightful 
heir, which will envenom him: he will bide his time for 
revenge. 

"Why Othello chose the novice Cassio rather than the 
war scarred veteran Iago, does not appear: perhaps it 
was an intuition — a vague caution to beware of his false 
heart. At any rate, in this case Othello acted aright: 
skill and scars do not constitute the sole title to prefer- 
ment; a man may have the skill to work a ship off a lee 
shore in the teeth of a living gale, and yet be devoid of 
principle — as was Iago. The deceits he practised could 
be born only of a disloyal brain; and no man worthy of 
trust would be guilty of them, even under the goad of 
grievous wrong. 

" Consider, my friends : have you never known a similar 
case — where an Othello innocently incurred the enmity 



In the Straits of Magellan 287 

of an Iago, and suffered therefrom a host of evils: pro- 
fession of amity for everybody — actual deception of all — 
plots wherein those he wishes to ruin, should injure each 
other; and then he step in and be solicitous for both sides — 
a double role of pretended friend and real foe ? The 
machinations of Iago culminated in Othello killing his 
wife in a fit of jealousy; but — change the conditions — 
apply them to any persons similarly situated — and the 
traitor will always wreak his wrath upon his victim. 

"Shakspere's works are in the cabin library, and as 
those of you who are not familiar with the play, may 
want to read it, I will not spoil your interest by further 
comment. 

"Sometimes a thin rivulet trickles down the mountain 
side: in its course other rivulets join it — they become a 
stream; more are added, and all form a torrent that 
bounds with foaming violence over rock and boulder until 
it reaches the plain below and overspreads it, destroying 
house and haystack, cattle and farm produce: so there is 
a fetid breath that blows through the community, gathers 
volume and venom as it circulates, and eventually suf- 
focates its victim. This is Slander. At first it is a whiff 
of air that merely stirs the foliage — a whispered word. 
Little by little it grows, gains strength, and spreads until 
the whole forest is thrown into agitation — a rumor that 
passes from mouth to mouth and creates a prejudice in 
every mind. Gradually the wind rises, limbs are torn 
from the trees, and shrubs are uprooted — the venom is 
on the tip of every tongue and projects its poison into every 
ear. Finally, the light air has become a whirlwind, the 
atmosphere is a chaos of writhing objects, and the whole 
prospect is gloomy and forbidding: Slander has done its 



288 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

work, and only the tattered shreds of its victim's reputa- 
tion remain — any one may now have a fling at him. 

" Moral assassins employ Slander to stab one they dis- 
like, or to invest him with a reputation that repels; and 
we must fight the slanderer as we would the ruffian with 
the stiletto. Do not attribute to God ills that are put 
upon us by wicked men; such a creed would disarm us 
of every weapon to fight them, and reduce us to mere 
passivity in all things — the plea of the fatalist, that it was 
God's will. No, it is not: it is the machination of man. 

"There never yet was a body of men — civil, military, 
political, judicial, legislative, or religious — which hedged 
itself round with barriers to criticism, but abused its 
security. Freedom of Speech and freedom of the Press — 
these are fundamental means for curbing arrogance and 
oppression: man is not (at least in his organized and 
corporate capacity) generous and just enough to act 
aright without check — he is too prone to put the yoke 
on those he can. Right, justice, honor, reputation, 
character — all would go down before the attacks of men 
if we made no bold resistance : we must fight evil in what- 
ever way or form it assails us, and if we fail, then we do 
God's will by patiently bearing the unavoidable results 
of that failure. 

" Let me illustrate the torture a malicious lie can inflict, 
by a little story from the French : 

"It was market-day in Goderville, and the farmers 
round about were trooping to the village. The square 
was thronged with traffickers and animals, and a con- 
fused jumble of noises filled the air. 

"An old countryman, Hauchecorne by name, had just 
arrived at the village, and was going toward the square 



In the Straits of Magellan 289 

when he saw a bit of string on the ground : like the thrifty 
Norman he was, he picked it up — it might be good for 
something. 

"While rolling it up, to put in his pocket, he noticed 
the harness maker, Melandain, watching him from his 
shop door: formerly, they had some angry words over a 
halter, which left bad blood between them. 

"Hauchecorne flushed at having been seen by his 
enemy picking up such a trifle: he hid it quickly under 
his blouse — then put it in his pocket and pretended to be 
searching for something on the ground: finally, he went 
on toward the market. 

" The bell rang the noon Angelus — the crowds dispersed, 
and many sought the taverns. At Jourdain's, the large 
dining room was full of people : a bright fire blazed on the 
hearth; fowls and quarters of lamb were roasting on turn- 
spits, and the trickling juices from the brown fat brought 
the water to many a mouth. The aristocracy of the 
plough fed at Jourdain's: the dishes passed — glasses were 
filled and emptied — gossip and news of the farm circulated 
— and good cheer and happy feeling ran high. 

"Suddenly the roll of a drum was heard in the court 
yard — all went to the door; and when the rattle ceased, 
the public crier was heard to announce: 'Know ye — 
the people of Goderville, and in general, all present — 
that this morning, on the Beuzeville road, about ten o'clock, 
a black leather pocket book was lost, containing five 
hundred francs and some valuable papers. The finder 
is requested to bring it to the Mayor's office: a reward of 
twenty francs will be paid.' He ceased, and went to 
proclaim the loss in other parts of the village, while the 
people returned to their meal. 



290 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

"They had just finished coffee when a policeman 
appeared at the door and asked for Monsieur Hauche- 
corne: 

"'Here I am,' he replied, from the far end of the table. 
'You are wanted at the Mayor's office, and will please 
accompany me.' Hauchcorne followed the policeman, 
full of surprise and uneasiness. 

"Arrived at the office, what was his astonishment to 
be accosted with : ' Monsieur Hauchecorne, you were seen 
this morning picking up the pocket book lost by Monsieur 
Houlebreque.' 

"The countryman, dumfounded, stared at the Mayor: 
the accusation worried him without being able to tell why. 

" I . . . I . . picked up . . . that . . pocket book ? ' 

"'Yes — you, exactly.' 

"Upon my word, sir, I haven't the least knowledge 
of it.' 

"'None the less, you were seen picking it up.' 

" ' I was seen ! — by whom ? ' 

"'Melandain — the harness maker.' 

"Then the old man remembered and understood; 
and reddening exclaimed: 'O he saw me, did he — the 
cunning fox! What he saw me pick up, your honor, 
was this bit of string'; and feeling about in his pocket, he 
pulled it out. But the Mayor incredulously shook his 
head and said : 

" ' You will never make me believe that Monsieur Melan- 
dain has mistaken this cord for a pocket book. ' 

"The countryman, now furious, raised his hand, spat 
one side to emphasize his words, and said, 

'"It is indeed God's truth — the exact truth, your 
Honor: upon my soul it is.' 



In the Straits of Magellan 291 

"But the Mayor continued: 'After picking up the 
pocket book, you even searched in the mud, to see if some 
of the money hadn't fallen out.' Choking with indigna- 
tion and apprehension, the poor countryman exclaimed, 

"'And to think one can utter such lies — lies like that 
to injure an honest man: 'tis monstrous!' 

"Further denial was useless: he was confronted with 
Melandain — both men heaped abuse on each other — 
Hauchecorne was searched (at his own request), but 
of course nothing was found, and he was discharged. 

"On going out, he was surrounded by a group of 
gossipers: he told his story — they sneered — didn't believe 
him. As he went along, he stopped every one he knew, 
retold his tale — pulled his pockets inside out — but they 
only turned upon him an incredulous look, as if to say, 
'Sly old man!' He grew more angry — exasperated. 

"Night came: on returning home with some com- 
panions, he pointed out the place where he found the bit 
of string and talked of the incident all the way. 

" The next day the pocket book was found and returned 
to the owner: the news spread, and Hauchecorne was told 
of it. Immediately he made the rounds and related 
his story, and it gave him some relief: still, his mind was 
not wholly at ease — people seemed to make fun of him; 
they did not appear convinced. He went to Goderville 
solely to tell it: his enemy was in the doorway as before, 
and began to laugh as he passed. 

" He went to the Tavern Jourdain, and began explaining 
the matter, but was cut short with, ' Come, come, old 
man — we know it, your bit of string!' 

"Hauchecorne stammered, 'It has been found — that 
pocket book!' But the other replied, 'O that's all very 



292 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

well; but things can be found and things can be returned 
when one is neither seen nor known, and then one is not 
mixed up in the affair.' 

"The poor man was astounded — he understood at 
last: he was accused of having the pocket book brought 
back by an accomplice! He was anxious to refute it, 
but the whole table broke into mocking laughter, and he 
couldn't finish either his explanation or his dinner, so he 
got up and went out amidst jeers. 

" He returned home full of shame and indignation. 

"He exhausted his strength in useless efforts to right 
himself, and grew ill under the strain. 

"The habitual jokers now made him relate the story 
for amusement, just as one urges an old soldier to tell 
his tale of the wars. 

"At length his mind gave way — he broke down alto- 
gether, and died a maniac, protesting his innocence in 
ravings : 

"'Une 'tite ficelle .... une 'tite ficelle . . . t'nez, la 
voila, m'sieu le maire!' 

"And so, by the adroit use of a trifling incident — the 
picking up of a bit of string — the ruin of an honest man 
was accomplished. It is painfully typical of much that 
occurs about us in every condition of life. 

"There is one great historical case in which slander 
and treachery combined to destroy a noble life — I mean 
the beautiful French maiden, Jeanne d' Arc. Men of 
many nations have written of her, mostly in eulogy and 
nearly all with admiration and respect for the kindly, 
truthful, courageous nature she possessed: it remained 
for one of her own countrymen — Voltaire, to vilify her; 
for another — the infamous Cauchon, to prove treacherous 



In the Straits of Magellan 293 

to her; and for still more, to condemn and burn her at the 
stake : but a Michelet arose to redeem the name of France ; 
and in our own day, an author of alien race and opposite 
antecedents — Lord Ronald Gower, has chivalrously told 
her story with a fairness, clearness, and temperateness 
that must carry conviction to every reasonable mind. 

" Craft and cunning are the traits — the sores that gather 
head and break out in treachery and calumny; and they 
generally succeed in their endeavor — Why? Because 
'A man in the right relies on his rectitude, and therefore 
goes about unarmed. A man in the wrong knows that 
he must look to his weapons — his very weakness is his 
strength. The one is never prepared for combat — the 
other is always ready.' 

"The fox outwits the hunter, and the cat purrs herself 
into caressing strokes: both are wily to the bone, and 
have been sketched by a master hand — the cat with her 
soft walk, putting each foot forward with precaution, 
eyes half closed, observing everything, yet appearing to 
see nothing. If you sit down, she will come with supple 
movement and gently rub against you while intimating 
her quest with a flattering purr — not asking it openly 
like the frank dog who barks for his bone. The smooth, 
little hypocrite! — you would take her for the personifica- 
tion of good nature, were it not for her two rows of teeth, 
sharp as a saw, and the receding chin so characteristic of 
a liar. 

"The fox, on the other hand, has not the pious perfidy 
of the cat: his long fine muzzle and bright, intelligent eye 
denote a rogue, but a rogue of quality : he is alert and quick 
and one can easily see that he does not loll in his burrow 
to await the coming of the fat hen. Still, he has not the 



294 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

vanity of courage — he would rather win by ruse. 

"But all cats and foxes haven't four legs and a furry 
tail — some walk erect: and more of the human species 
possess the traits of other animals — for instance, the 
man with a heavy lower jaw, projecting teeth, scowl of 
a bull-dog, and compact stocky frame; and he makes 
his way through life much as his canine prototype does — 
growling, snapping, looking ferocious, and scarcely using 
his human faculties. 

" If ever you spent much time on a farm, you must have 
seen how oxen yoked together often pull apart — their 
strength is wasted tugging at the bond that unites them, 
rather than in drawing the load : they are merely animals, 
and follow the animal instinct. But reasoning man 
sometimes exerts equally vain efforts — the lieutenant 
often pulls as blindly apart from his captain; both are 
on the same ship: that cannot be helped; but what the 
beast of the field cannot do, the man on the ship can — 
he need not waste his strength in futile endeavor, but 
recognize that there must be a head to contrive — to 
organize — to care for; and that these efforts should not 
be frustrated by spiteful acts prompted by some imaginary 
grievance or even real harshness; but that the success of 
command, and the happiness of all will be best served by 
a strong pull, and a pull all together. 

"There are grades — superior and subordinate — in 
every organization; and this, of necessity, implies one at 
the head of all — a Captain in command. 'Take but 
degree away — untune that string, and hark, what discord 
follows!' It is the dastardly, malevolent railing of a 
Thersites to satisfy some petty grievance; 'whose gall 
coins slander like a mint' coins money: the Captain as a 



In the Straits of Magellan 295 

result is 'disdained by him one step below — he, by the 
next — that next by him beneath, and so every step,' until 
insubordination is rife and the whole crew is on the verge 
of mutiny. 

"I have made some trips at sea; and when on board 
ship, I go among the men and try to learn their moods 
and feelings: I therefore know somewhat of the sailor. 
His lot is full of hard work and bad food ; but it is mitigated 
by variety of scene and his general freedom from restraint 
(for such is the case, however it may seem to the contrary), 
by the ensured provision for the morrow, and by the 
absence of many cares that worry the man ashore. Be- 
sides, all is not suavity and freedom on shore: the man 
whose next meal depends on his labor, has to put up with 
many a curt word and much harsh treatment : he can go — 
yes, he can throw up his job in a temper, or under the 
spur of injustice; but his stomach will crave food and his 
children want clothes, and these are powerful curbs on 
his freedom of action. Then there are the tyrannical 
rules of the Trade-union, the threat of work failing, and 
the arrogant walking delegate forever stirring up strife — 
all galling fetters on his liberty. 

"The sailor has none of these; and if he behaves him- 
self, he need scarcely feel his restrictions: but often in his 
midst there is the breeder of trouble — the speaking 
trumpet for all the petty grievances on board — the treacher- 
ous subordinate who slights work and ridicules an order 
to please men already in a morbid state of dissatisfaction. 

"In the Island of Java there is a famous Poison Valley: 
it is oval in shape — a thousand feet across and thirty feet 
deep, with a bare flat bottom; this is strewn with the 
skeletons of human beings, tigers, pigs, dogs, deer, and 



296 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

every kind of bird — all bleached to the whiteness of ivory. 

"Why this desolation? They ventured within reach 
of its noxious gases, and met instant death. And such — 
death of joy, cheerfulness, and contentment — will be the 
fate of those on board ship who yield to the baneful in- 
fluence of a crafty, cunning person, be he mate or seaman. 

"But the traitor in any form finally comes to grief, 
while ever being suspected and despised: the high priests 
said to Judas when he repented — 'what is that to us, 
look thou to it; and casting down the pieces of silver in 
the temple, he departed and went and hanged himself 
with a halter'; Cauchon met a speedy and violent death 
loathed by all, without even receiving the reward for which 
he bartered his soul; Benedict Arnold everywhere met 
with contempt until he died in obloquy and shame; and 
the fictitious Iago, true to life, was made to suffer torture 
and loathing without the attainment of his ends. 

"Well may we exclaim with the fireworshipper mad- 
dened by the treachery of a trusted comrade : 

'Oh for a tongue to curse the slave 

Whose treason, like a deadly blight, 
Comes o'er the councils of the brave 

And blasts them in their hour of might! 
May Life's unblessed cup for him 

Be drugg'd with treach'ries to the brim — 
With hopes, that but allure to fly; 

With joys, that vanish while he sips; 
Like Dead Sea fruits, that tempt the eye, 

But turn to ashes on the lips! 
His country's curse, his children's shame, 

Outcast of virtue, peace and fame, 



In the Straits of Magellan 297 

' May he, at last, with lips of flame, 

On the parch'd desert thirsting die — 
While lakes, that shone in mockery nigh, 

Are fading off, untouch'd, untasted, 
Like the once glorious hopes he blasted! 

And when from earth his spirit flies, 
Just Prophet, let the damn'd one dwell 

Full in the sight of Paradise, 
Beholding heav'n, and feeling hell!'" 

Port Famine, Patagonia. 

As usual, the ship got underway at daylight from 
Glacier Bay, and proceeded eastward through the straits. 
At two o'clock she passed Cape Froward, so named from 
its characteristic — a bold, high, headland projecting sheer 
from the water with the aggressive front of a mastiff: 
otherwise, its appearance is pleasing, being covered with 
rich, fresh vegetation. It is the most southerly point of 
the continent, for Tierra del Fuego and all else south of 
Cape Froward are islands. 

Cape Froward was the turning point of the Wenonah's 
passage — she was then at her greatest distance from New 
York, 5682 miles in a direct line, but much more by the 
route she must take in quest of favorable winds. 

A wintry scene of snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and 
waterfalls; with a mixture of sunshine, squalls, wind, 
and gloom characterized this day's run. In the evening 
the ship anchored in Port Famine — a name ominous of 
hungry pangs to early mariners dependent on what they 
carried for subsistance; but now robbed of its terrors 
by the neighboring port of Punta Arenas, where supplies 
of all kinds can be had: the Wenonah was to reach it on 



298 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

the morrow. Around the anchorage the shores were 
desolate and inhospitable — not a house, only a few trees 
and some scant verdure, and everything in keeping with 
the name, Port Famine. 

The evening, at least, was delightful and fresh; and after 
dinner the party gathered on the poop to enjoy it. After 
a period of silence, Northrup said : 

"Brooks, ever since your discourse on the cycles in 
natural phenomena, I have been chasing your name 
through my memory — it is familiar, and yet I cannot 
recall any person who bore it: perhaps it was an author 
whose book I read a few years ago — Facts and Theories 
of Science — do you know the work ?" 

"Yes; I wrote it." 

"You! well, my dear fellow, let me grasp your hand 
with all the gratitude I feel for the information it afforded 
me in a dire situation : I had a case in the Admiralty Court 
in which the errors of the compass played an important 
part. Upon taking up the case, I found I should be all 
at sea without some knowledge of the matters involved. 
I consulted the books: one was too mathematical; another 
too diffuse; a third too technical; and a fourth a mere 
catechism, dry question and answer without a thread 
of explanation running through them. I was in despair 
(for the case was important) when I chanced upon your 
book. The type was large and legible, the illustrations 
clear and artistic, the paper good, and the division of 
the subject into parts, chapters, sections, and paragraphs 
such that I could see at a glance what was treated in each: 
I was attracted by its make-up — looked for what I wanted 
— found it — read it — and had the satisfaction of being 
able to conduct my case with a knowledge of compass 



In the Straits or Magellan 299 

errors, courses, deviations, soundings, tides, and currents, 
that made the old skippers on the witness stand think 
me one of their guild turned sea lawyer for the nonce. 

"Later, I had another case, in which the rights to a 
patent for an electrical contrivance was the question at 
issue. I turned to your book and found that the chapter 
on electricity and magnetism afforded all the theory and 
facts I needed for coping intelligently with the experts 
in the science. 

"Subsequently, without any special need for it, I read 
the parts dealing with other branches, and found the 
whole so clear and concise — giving just what the average 
man wants to know, that I consider it an excellent epitome 
of the subjects treated. But how came you to write it — 
I thought your bent was general literature ?" 

"Well," answered Brooks, "my taste has always really 
been for mathematics and the physical sciences. When 
I left high school, I had a little tendency and some aptitude 
for an occupation that I followed for a few years: then 
I discovered that my strongest inclination lay in another 
direction — writing, so I took it up; but during all this 
time, whatever the work for self-support, I spent my spare 
hours on my favorite studies. I bought the latest standard 
works, read them, and made notes of the parts that 
interested me, with reference to book and page. I also 
made notes of such of my own ideas as I thought worth 
preserving; and from both sources you can readily imagine 
that during many years I accumulated a large mass of 
them: their number would astonish you — it ran into the 
thousands. 

"Now, I am no advocate of study solely for its own 
sake, however beneficial or gratifying that may be to the 



300 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

individual; the mere accumulation of knowledge without 
use, is little better than hoarding money: it is the talent 
put away for safe keeping — it should be abroad, circulating 
in useful channels — gaining brightness by attrition. 

"I early conceived the general project of my book, but 
when it came to put pen to paper, I found the outline 
wanting in definiteness: where should I begin — how 
classify the material ? The first sifting bore little resem- 
blance to the final arrangement; but it served as a skeleton 
on which to dispose the matter tentatively. Then fol- 
lowed plan after plan, each expanded beyond its pre- 
decessor and more definite in shape, with a regrouping 
of the notes to correspond, until eventually the order as 
published (with little variation while writing the manu- 
script), was reached; and then the notes for each part, 
even for each chapter — nay, more, for every section, were 
gathered in bundles by themselves : the subdivision of the 
subject was put to paper — titles given to part, chapter, 
and section; and I was prepared to begin the manuscript. 

"Before writing any portion, I examined all the notes 
relating to it and consulted the books bearing on the 
subject: where authorities agreed, I took the point as 
established; where they differed, I considered the evidence 
on both sides, and from it inferred the most probable 
approach to the truth. Thus, having the matter in mind, 
I framed its expression in my own language. Though 
in a measure a compilation, it is not at all such in the 
usual sense of the word — the matter is cast in a fresh 
mould, with a vein of original thought running through it. 

" I am very glad to hear you say that it gives what the 
average man wants to know — that was the object I had in 
view. Technical terms are not frequent — used only 



In the Straits of Magellan 301 

where the common language would not avail, and even 
then they are explained : the accuracy of the facts is in no 
wise lessened by describing them in the language of daily 
life. I did not hesitate at simile or metaphor of familiar 
events — such do not detract from the dignity of the sub- 
ject, while impressing more forcibly the point elucidated. 
Now this manner of treatment is not the usual way — the 
critic or narrow professional man would decry it: indeed 
the more technical the style, the more these gentry extol 
it — it keeps up the mystery of their craft, thickens the veil 
that enshrouds their dicta, and impresses the multitude." 

" Few realize," said Northrup when Brooks had finished, 
"what a labor it must be to write a book; and fewer still, 
I presume, appreciate the labor bestowed on yours, it 
reads so naturally — flowing as easily from the pen as your 
namesake the brook ripples over its pebbly bed." 

"Ah!" replied Brooks, "that very naturalness as well 
as the clearness and conciseness are the result of going 
over every page again and again — adding, cutting out, 
substituting — scrutinizing from the point of view of the 
scientist, the grammarian, the rhetorician, and the general 
reader for whom it was written." 

"Did you have any difficulty in getting it published?" 
asked Northrup. 

"Indeed, I did; and succeeded only after many rebuffs 
— the usual phrase, ' Not available for our purpose. ' 

" If the work were by a well known man in science, or 
some college professor, it would be readily accepted; but 
the vaunted judging of manuscript on its merits alone is 
a myth: publishers, one and all, are loth to venture on a 
new writer. 

"And yet, name — notoriety — an entity that multitudes 



302 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

look up to, often carries with it through mere inertia of 
reputation, many a mediocre book, as well as many another 
that is little more than a duplicate of what the author 
has already written. If a novel, the similarity runs so 
glaringly through plot and person that an observant 
reader, like a skillful chess player, can see many moves 
ahead — even the denouement: it is like the turkey which 
first comes on the table as a crisp, juicy roast; the next 
day, the carcass (well stripped of meat) is served up cold; 
the third day, the gristle, thews, and sinews have degen- 
erated into hash on toast; and finally, the bones gives a 
slight flavor to a thin soup. 

" But the replica novel in all stages of decadence usually 
sells well — it takes time for the reading cormorants to 
discriminate; and meanwhile the popular writer finds 
sale for his phrases, and the publisher reaps a harvest. 

"And the publisher must always see his profit well in 
sight ere he will touch a manuscript. For this reason, 
scientific books (which are read by comparatively few) — 
books upon which years of thought and study have been 
bestowed — have a hard struggle to get into print; while 
the flimsy novel, well peppered with slang, which is put 
together in a few months (and devoured by the thousand), 
is readily accepted — nay, even eagerly sought : it is a ' best 
seller' with the aid of extravagant advertising." 
Punta Arenas, Patagonia. 

This place, as its Spanish name signifies, is a sandy 
point, extending out into the Straits: the anchorage has a 
sandy bottom, and is therefore poor holding ground — 
ships generally drag in a heavy blow. The village is a 
Chilian settlement built on a plain gradually rising to a 
background of hills. Fresh beef and mutton are abundant 



In the Straits of Magellan 303 

and very cheap, but the quality is not stall-fed. Canned 
supplies of all kinds are plentiful, but command high 
prices : they are brought from the United States or Europe. 
Steamers of many nationalities — English, French, German, 
Spanish, Italian, Brazilian, and Chilian stop here on their 
way to and from the Atlantic and Pacific, so that there is 
almost daily communication with one of the great ports 
of the world. Thus it happened that the day the Wenonah 
arrived, a steamer en route for Lisbon touched at Punta 
Arenas; and a mail was despatched which had been in 
course of preparation during the passage from Callao: 
in this mail went two letters from Jacob Hawse to his 
friend Bain in the shipping house of Alec Campbell & 
Co., owners of the Wenonah: one of the letters (already 
known to the reader) was written at Port Otway, and 
the other was as follows : 

American Ship Wenonah, 
Sandy Point. 

Friend Bain: This is the last letter I'll write you, for 
we ought reach New York soon after any mail from 
another port could get there; and yet I don't know about 
that either — we're only crawling like a crab: such infernal 
dawdling I never saw; but it's the way they have in the 
Navy, for you know Colburn spent some time in the 
Service. 

Instead of standing down the coast till he got to the 
Straits of Magellan, and then coming through under 
steam and sail before a stiff breeze, he cut in at the narrow 
channels and wasted a week in a rail-fence route through 
them — a kind of personally conducted tour to show a few 
passengers the scenery of Patagonia: why, we tied up 
every night, like a canal boat, in one of the small harbors; 



304 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

and sometimes had to send out a line astern to keep the 
ship from swinging on to the beach. Then up every 
morning at four o'clock to get underway, and during the 
day I had to be always about to look out for the ship's 
work as well as dangers along our route: 'tis wearing on 
a fellow, and I'm worn out, as I haven't spared myself. 

I must tell you of a ridiculous scene that took place in 
the English Narrows — a small bend in one of the channels 
which a western river pilot would tackle in the dark. 
Well, we got there one evening in time to go through, 
but no — we must wait until the next day to give the skipper 
time to get up the stage effect — to prepare for all kinds 
of accidents. I was heartily ashamed of having to take 
part in the performance. We provided for everything 
except burying the dead; but we had a boat ready to pick 
a man up if he fell overboard ; we had the relieving tackles 
hooked if the wheel-ropes parted — sail loosed in case the 
engine broke down — light yards and masts on deck for 
hurricane weather — men and officers at hand in all parts 
of the ship, ready to do something at any mishap — and all 
for a run of a mile ! Such fear of trouble I never saw. 

Of course nothing happened: we went through as easy 
as if we were on the broad ocean, although before entering 
the Narrows Col burn put the ship through her paces — 
hard a port — steady — hard a starboard, in order to have 
her know how to do it in the bend, as if she hadn't been 
doing it all the way from Frisco. O it would be laughable 
if it were not such a pitiable mockery of seagoing, as well 
as a loss of time and money to the owners. 

Since we've been in the channels, we've had a continuous 
moral performance — lectures, if you please! O the 
branch of the Y. M. C. A. is flourishing! The chief 



In the Straits of Magellan 305 

preacher is that sea-lawyer Northrup I mentioned in 
another letter. The other night his talk was all about 
treachery, insubordination, and slander; and if some of 
this crew don't one day turn pirate, it won't be for lack 
of knowing how. It is just like the dime novel: I don't 
suppose they're written to teach burglary and murder, 
but the effect of reading them is crime all the same. And 
so Northrup described all the sources of discontent on board 
ship so accurately, that now they know how to create it. 
Why, he got the Italians of the crew wild with enthusiasm 
by reciting in their own lingo the way the high villain in 
the opera does his work ! 

If one of these Neapolitan mafias don't cut my throat 
before reaching New York, I'll be fortunate. O 'tis a 
fine mess the ship is in! And that man Colburn don't 
see that it's all due to those passengers making use of the 
men for their own amusement. I've a hard time to keep 
my end up and get work out of the men. They're cheeky, 
and talk back, if I let them; but I won't — I'll stand up 
for my authority on board while there's a drop of blood 
in my veins, and they'll find I know what discipline is, 
if Colburn doesn't. 

Your friend 

Jacob Hawse, 

First Mate. 

Truly, facts can be distorted and colored so as to give 
a wholly untrue account of an event! 

The First Mate had been steadily losing ground: when 
Ned Gower flung him contemptuously to the deck in 
the presence of the watch, they saw at once that he was 
really of common clay; and nowhere more quickly than 
on board ship does the fallen idol — or bully — fail of wor- 



306 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

ship. The men went as far in their disrespect as they 
dared, because they knew that the Mate feared to punish 
them or report their conduct to the Captain. 

Hawse's course, therefore, had been one of mollification: 
while they were in the channels, he tried to win over one 
after another of the weaklings by gifts of food from his 
storeroom; but these availed not with those he most sought 
to win. Besides, the little diversions of the passengers 
were weaning the men from the mood of discontent the 
Mate had worked so successfully during the early part 
of the passage, so that this vein was tending toward ex- 
haustion even when Northrup brought it suddenly to 
bed rock by his exposure of the vicious influences on board 
ship. The men saw it — saw how they had been duped 
by Hawse: they talked about past incidents and recalled 
many which now seemed to have been specially devised 
by the Mate to discredit the Captain in their eyes. The 
pendulum was in danger of swinging to the other extreme 
— the men were indignant and angry for having been 
tricked so badly, and they took their resentment out on 
Hawse by scowls and sullen words and slovenly work 
wherever he was concerned; and they made this conduct 
more conspicuous by being quick and alert to obey every 
order of the Boatswain. 

It was in this painful situation — full of insubordination 
and without the means to correct it — that the First Mate 
pondered what he should do. Resources? — he had none: 
appeal to the Captain? — he was ashamed. He knew 
what he would do — he would get some rum and dole it 
out in seductive doses: he knew well its power over the 
sailor — a bait he would bite at through any obstruction — 
would obtain through any artifice. He had seen it smug- 



In the Straits of Magellan 307 

gled on board in small skins fastened to the body; and 
also towed off in bottles by means of a string secured 
to the boats. He had seen men full of the bile, the ugly 
temper, the low bravado begotten of drink: he had seen 
them thrown to the deck and gagged with swabs to stifle 
the ribald tirade with which they filled the harbor. And 
he had seen others, bereft of conscious action, writhe 
and groan in an unsightly mass on the deck under the 
maddening sting of some fiery adulteration. He knew 
well the demoralization — the feeling of apprehension, 
unrest, and insecurity — the loosening of all restraint — 
the surging to the surface of all the brutal, mutinous 
impulses that drunkenness begets on a ship. Drunken- 
ness ashore means little compared with drunkenness 
aboard: on shore, there are jails, and the culprit may be 
caged out of sight and sound; but on board, the bestiality 
cannot be secluded from eye and ear: the community is 
small, the quarters cramped, and the enraged beast, 
though chained, is in the midst of his daily companions, 
inciting them to frenzy by wild howlings. It is horrible — 
a drunken crew! Not to look at alone, but in the dreadful 
feeling of apprehension and upheaval it spreads through- 
out the ship. And even when the worst has passed and 
apparent regularity is restored, there is still the aftermath: 
all feel that the established order has been rudely wrenched 
— that a foundation stone has been torn away, and that 
the edifice of discipline totters. The curbed animal has 
taken the bit and run wild, and it will be hard to bridle it 
again. All this, Jacob Hawse well knew; yet it did not 
deter him from going ashore and buying some fiery liquor 
which might one day produce similar effects among the 
crew of the Wenonah. True, it was not his intention 



308 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

to make them drunk, but only give them a tot now and 
then to warm their hearts toward him; but with the 
temptation at hand — the poisonous spring once tapped — 
who could guarantee that it would not overflow all 
bounds ? 

When a sailor has been aloft reefing, which is always 
in stormy weather; when he has tugged through blinding 
rain and cutting wind at wet sails bellying out with every 
blast beyond his grasp, his hands galled from hauling on 
the weather earing or tying reef points; and he is in that 
exhausted condition which a little stimulant will restore 
to vigor — then a glass of whiskey goes to the right spot: 
it makes the blood tingle and infuses good feeling toward 
all — especially toward the giver. These should be the 
moments Hawse would seize to secure his prey — first 
cautiously, and with the victim he knew to be most athirst 
— who would smack his lips and go tell the good news; 
then others would be tempted, and still more, until even 
the Boatswain should be ensnared; he knew Gower could 
not long resist the one vice that kept him at sea, and 
which if freed from, he could easily earn a good living 
ashore and be a respectable member of any community. 

It must be confessed that if the Mate contemplated 
giving the men a drink only at times of great hardship, 
little could be said against it : the whole life at sea is rough 
and rugged beyond anything ashore; the food is generally 
inadequate to the strain put upon the man; and the 
frequency of storms with their exhausting work, requires 
something more than the customary ration to renew 
strength, restore spirits, and give zest to life. Nothing 
will do this like a glass of whiskey; and the most that can 
be said against it, is, that it is likely to beget the habit 



In the Straits of Magellan 309 

of drink: if it could be given only in times of need, it would 
be a benefit — banish the depression that comes from a 
hard struggle with wind and wave. But the Mate was 
not a philanthropist; he had solely in mind the winning 
of the men to his side in order to use them at a future 
day. 

After discharging cargo for Punta Arenas, and taking 
on merchandise and coal, as well as fresh provisions for 
both passengers and crew, the Wenonah weighed anchor 
and stood out upon the last stretch through the Straits. 

The high hills and diversified scenery that characterized 
the landscape since entering at Port Otway, now gave way 
to low rolling ground which became less and less elevated, 
though often very picturesque, as the ship approached 
the eastern limit. Finally, in the dusk of evening she 
passed Cape Virgins, and was soon rising and falling to 
the long swell of the Atlantic, under all sail, with a light 
breeze, heading northeast. 

Cape Virgins is a low headland that forms the northern 
limit of the Straits: it extends into the water as a sandy 
spit, partly covered, and must therefore be given a wide 
berth. The name is Virgins — not Virgin — in allusion to 
the legend of St. Ursula and her eleven thousand virgins. 
The legend is too long to give here, but it will be found 
in quaint and pleasing language in the Handbook of 
Legendary Art by Mrs. Clement. 

The old Spanish navigators showed their religious 
fervor by naming islands, capes, straits, and other natural 
objects after saints, festivals, or dogmatical principles of 
the Church — as Trinidad, Santa Cruz, Concepcion, 
Inocentes — thus glorifying God in his works. The Anglo- 
Saxon, on the other hand, set up the renown of man — 



310 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

either himself as discoverer, or some notable person whose 
favor he thought well to secure. When Columbus saw 
the land he so eagerly sought, he did not bestow on it the 
name of Isabel in recognition of the aid she gave; nor 
prosaically call it Watling Island, as some scion of the 
Anglo-Saxon race has done: he did nothing of the kind; 
but imbued with deep gratitude for the Higher Power 
that guided his quest, and amidst the ceremonial that daily 
renders Him homage throughout the world, he gave it 
the sonorous name of the Saviour of mankind — San 
Salvador. The practise of the one race illustrates its 
chivalrous character — the generosity that well may 
account for its failure to attain distinction in hard business 
enterprises: it indicates the prevalence of the sentimental 
vein; whereas the practise of the other race points to its 
sharp eye for the main chance — to let no opportunity slip 
that may redound to its own advantage; and this trait 
may easily explain why the Anglo-Saxon is the dominant 
people of the earth 

There is also a peculiar quaintness as well as appro- 
priateness in certain Spanish names of islets, rocks, shoals, 
and reefs: two such dangers — one in the Caribbean Sea 
the other off Callao — are called respectively Quita-seufios 
and Abre-ojos; and surely, no prudent mariner would 
ever close an eye, much less steal forty winks, in their 
vicinity. 



CHAPTER XVI 

From the Straits of Magellan to Montevideo 

During this run, life on board presented the same 
uniformity that a landscape does when seen through 
colored glass — no variegated tints — no striking contrasts: 
and outboard, there was almost the same condition of 
wind and sea. 

Some bad weather they had — heavy squalls with drench- 
ing rain — an occasion for clewing up the light sails and 
settling away the topsail halliards; but nothing to reef 
down to, or lay the ship by the wind: merely a short run 
before it, then hoist away, set everything, and stand on 
again close hauled. Nevertheless, the First Mate took 
advantage of every such opportunity to call a few of the 
men into his storeroom and deal out a finger of whiskey — 
" they were wet and it would prevent catching cold ! ' ' 

By this means, before reaching Montevideo he had 
more than half the crew well disposed toward him — 
even the Boatswain had been seen and found amenable 
to liquid suasion. Can we blame him? How many of 
us with our strongest appetite starved and greedy, will 
resist the alluring bait when within reach ? Let him who 
has principle enough to control himself under such cir- 
cumstances, thank God for the strength; but also, let him 
be lenient toward the one who succumbs. We all have 
our weak spots — one is open to flattery — vanity pre- 
dominates, and he will go to any excess to attain notoriety; 

311 



312 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

another craves stimulants or narcotics — the particular 
kind matters little — it may be opium, or the morphine 
habit, or alcoholic drink, and the thirst for it will break 
every bound: let us each look inward — see wherein we 
most fail — and concentrate our efforts on that: our whole 
prayer may well be shortened into — "Lead us not into 
temptation." 

While in the Patagonian Channels, the Captain was on 
deck every day from the time the ship got under way until 
she came to anchor, piloting her; this, of course, was the 
principal work, and as he did it all himself, he thought 
to afford the mates a respite from watches by allowing 
them to take turns at the other duties, one each day — a 
kind of officer of the day, and all sleeping in at night, 
while the quartermasters kept watch. The crew, except 
an anchor watch, slept in; so that all hands, save Colburn, 
were fresh for their regular sea work on emerging into the 
Atlantic. 

But now again the mates were put in three watches, 
and while the Captain required no additional duty of 
Hawse, he directed that the other two should (on the days 
they had fewest watches) do some navigation work — 
take either a meridian altitude, a time sight, or an azimuth, 
or work up the dead reckoning of the previous day: this 
he exacted as a matter of justice to them, in case they 
should ever rise to command, and not at all as an assistance 
to himself; for he always took his own observations and 
kept an account of the ship's run. 

The log-book was a faithful record of life on board: at 
the end of every watch, the Mate observed and recorded 
the mercurial barometer; the thermometers (wet and dry 
bulbs) ; the average direction and force of the wind during 



From Magellan to Montevideo 313 

each hour of his watch; the course made good; the speed 
by log-chip; reading of the patent log; the weather; state 
of the sea and its temperature ; sail carried ; work the watch 
on deck was engaged in; the exercises and drills of the 
crew; all accidents to the personnel or material; the parts 
of the ship, equipment, and machinery inspected period- 
ically in accordance with the owners' regulations or the 
Captain's requirements, vessels sighted and signals made: 
changes in the food; and all other items essential to a 
complete and accurate record of the doings of this little 
community. By frequently examining the log-book him- 
self, and calling attention to omissions and discrepancies, 
the Captain had in course of time trained the mates to 
habits of regularity and precision; so that the entries 
became entirely reliable: he also required both the mate 
coming on duty and the one he relieved to verify together 
the reading of the meteorological instruments, the speed, 
course, and other matters, in order to avoid those dis- 
crepancies that usually occur at change of watches. 

And would that every log-book were kept with equal 
care! Many of them are flagrant misrepresentations of 
wind, weather, and instrumental indications — conditions 
often entered from memory, according to whim or con- 
venience long after their occurrence. 

Certain entries in the log-book concern only those on 
board, or the owners; but other entries — all pertaining 
to wind, weather, sea, and temperature — have universal 
importance, commercially and scientifically. The sailing 
ship will never disappear from the ocean — she will always 
be the mode of transportation for some articles; and the 
speediness and safety of her passage are dependent on 
correct information of the winds : this information, through 



314 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

great labor, has been charted and placed within reach of 
the seaman from multitudes of log-books. The pilot 
charts, as they are called, correspond in a measure to the 
daily weather map issued by the U. S. Agricultural Dept. : 
only, that the pilot charts are for all time — an average of 
what has occurred through long years, while the weather 
map is temporary — a photographic view, as it were, of 
atmospheric conditions at a specific moment. With this 
bird's eye view before one — lines of equal pressure and 
equal temperature together with data of vapor tension in 
the air, it is manifestly within the power of an intelligent 
person to predict the weather for some hours to come: 
this knowledge of contiguous and remote regions supple- 
ments what the observer can see about him and infer 
from instrumental indications. If, for instance, in the 
city of New York, the air is calm, light, warm, and humid 
— a Low; and the map shows a mass of cool, heavy air 
o'erspreading New England — a dense, cold High, it re- 
quires no very great prophet to tell us that northeasterly 
winds will blow and bring rain: the flow of air like that 
of water is always toward the lower level; and the level 
as well as its condition is indicated by barometers and 
wet and dry bulb thermometers: for correct prediction, 
therefore, it is essential that they be read and recorded 
aright. 

The seaman, on the other hand, has not for his forecast 
this extensive daily view of his surroundings: the pilot 
chart affords information based on averages only — 
nothing specific for a particular day; but with the climatic 
conditions clearly mapped out before him — mean values 
deduced from countless single observations extending 
over a century — the winds, their percentage and force 



From Magellan to Montevideo 315 

from each point of the compass; the barometric height 
and its daily oscillation; the number of squalls, storms, 
and rainy days; the periods of thunder and lightning; 
the amount of foggy weather; the temperature and its 
daily range ; and a clear resume of other facts that cannot 
be expressed numerically — with all this before him, not only 
for his own immediate vicinity, but for the ocean far and 
wide, the seaman is in a position to avoid calm belts and 
seek steady winds, as well as foresee what will probably 
happen along his daily route, if he bears this information 
well in mind while observing his instruments and noting 
the indications of the sky and the feel of the weather. 

As decreasing soundings denote a shelving beach, so a 
gradually rising barometer — the mercury slowly mounting 
as the ship advances, indicates that she is running into 
denser air — an accumulation of it — the High of the 
weather map, which may have a haystack shape, and from 
which the wind must subsequently blow outward on every 
side until it is levelled to tranquility. A ship under 
canvas cannot run into the wind's eye, so that she is 
probably skirting the aerial mound with a spirally inward 
tendency if her barometer be slowly rising: after the 
wind has blown for a long time from one direction, the 
High will be levelled and the Low will be filled — even 
more, this will in turn become a High; and then it is 
generally safe to predict that the wind will come from 
the direction it blew toward previously — the new High 
must be levelled and emptied into the Low which the 
ship probably occupies (as the barometer will indicate 
when compared with its previous high readings). This 
is the value of barometric observations at sea in connection 
with those of temperature and humidity. Two facts 



316 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

must be considered in all weather predictions: on shore, 
the land is variously diversified by mountain, lake, and 
valley, which may divert the natural flow of air and upset 
predictions based on the most accurate information; while 
at sea, the uniformity of the surface for hundreds of miles 
conduces to regularity and favors predictions. When the 
seaman considers that the information he seeks from pilot 
charts is in part supplied by his own log-book, and that 
a little bad leaven may vitiate the whole mass, it should be 
sufficient incentive to make the observations and entries 
in his log-book with all the care and accuracy possible. 

In due time the Wenonah reached the vicinity of 
Montevideo, sighting the Island of Flores one evening 
about dusk. Vessels often pass to the westward of the 
island, even in the dark; and some have come to grief for 
their temerity: it is like the man who leisurely approaches 
a street crossing — sees a rapidly moving car and rushes 
to cross in front of it. The Rio de la Plata has a current 
that is said to be perceptible two hundred miles at sea, 
and therefore sweeps past the Island of Flores with some 
strength, carrying vessels smoothly but surely to disaster 
in the darkness of night or storm when mist obscures the 
land. Captain Colburn took no hazard with his ship 
to save an hour or two, but prudently came up to the 
eastward of the island, and held on to the beacon-light 
by short tacks, with a constant approach to the port, 
until morning. 

Beating to windward! — what a weariness of limb and 
spirit it recalls to the seaman who has done it off some 
port where the wind blows him out eternally and baffles 
all effort to enter. Such is Fort de France in the Island 
of Martinique, or Porto Praya in the Cape Verd group: 



From Magellan to Montevideo 317 

both are within the Northeast Trades, which blow forever 
out of the harbor — usually as gentle breezes, but also at 
times as a strong wind — the expiring gasps of a heavy gale. 
The ship stands on for the weather shore — hugs the point, 
and is about to round it and sail up the harbor, when a 
shift of wind all but takes her aback and she must up 
helm and pass the entrance, vexation in the captain's 
heart and an imprecation on his lips. He goes about and 
makes another trial, hoping for a favorable slant; but no 
— again on rounding the point the wind draws ahead — 
the anchorage is but a mile away, yet he cannot make it, 
but must pass by — and tack and wear during the day, 
or drift and lie-to during the night, anxiously waiting, 
perhaps for days, for that wind to let him in, until in 
despair the spirit exclaims: " O Lord, how long!" 

The Wenonah steamed slowly up to an anchorage off 
Montevideo, her sails neatly furled, yards square, rigging 
taut, a large ensign at the peak, and the leadsmen calling 
out the soundings in their sing-song drawl. She was 
neat, clean, and trim, the crew and officers in uniform, 
and everything seamanlike — bearing the air so character- 
istic of an American ship commanded by a man who had 
a firm hold of all on board. The Captain was on the 
bridge and directed her movements with the conscious 
pride of race and occupation — the freedom of the sea, 
the liberty of his country — what two more inspiring 
motives to make him walk the bridge with head erect 
or tread more firm ! 

The harbor is everywhere shallow, a deep draught 
vessel almost touches the muddy bottom long ere she 
reaches a berth; so that the Wenonah was still a mile or 
more from the wharf when she came to. She was to re- 



,318 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

main but a few days, to discharge some cargo and fill up 
with more for New York. 

Our passengers went ashore at once and took up their 
abode at the principal hotel, intending to enjoy life and 
study the peculiarities of this flourishing city. Monte- 
video is built on a mound-shaped promontory, elevated 
above the sea, which washes its base for more than half 
the circumference; it is therefore admirably located for 
salubrity of climate; the salty air of the Atlantic blows 
through its dwellings as an invigorating tonic, while a 
heavy rain comes, flushes its streets, and by natural drain- 
age carries all refuse down to the sea and out into the great 
ocean. The houses are fine, the streets broad, commerce 
thrives, and the conveniences and comforts of modern 
life are found there. The climate is mild, and it seems 
an ideal place to enjoy purity of air and cleanliness of 
habitation, as well as the luxuries that wealth can provide. 
Our passengers who had been so long isolated from the 
hum of busy life were delighted ; and decided not to return 
to the ship until the hour of sailing: they rode and walked 
and .shopped — went everywhere — saw everything, and 
at the end of three days knew as much about the city and 
its suburbs as many an inhabitant who had been born 
there. They used every argument to induce the Captain 
to take a room and live at the hotel, and let the Mate 
attend to the routine on board — but without avail: the 
most they could attain, was to have him go to the opera 
two evenings when Lucrezia Borgia and Lucia di Lam- 
mermoor were sung. Northrup mortgaged him for this 
by securing a box for the whole party (without their 
knowledge) a few hours after going ashore. 

During the day time, Colburn remained on board and 



From Magellan to Montevideo 319 

attended to ship duties : he gave the officers and men ample 
liberty — wiped off old scores against even the worst 
offenders, hoping that a little generosity would touch a 
responsive chord in their nature; but the roots of the evil 
were spread too wide and sunk too deep for one man to 
dislodge them during a single passage. It must be 
regretfully recorded that he met with little more success 
than at Callao: Jack argued that this was nearly the last 
port before reaching New York — they were on the home 
stretch, and would enjoy themselves while they could. 
As well be killed for a sheep as a lamb, was a primal 
dogma of their creed — and they argued from experience. 
How many captains endeavor to be just and generous 
toward them ? If many did, Colburn's efforts would not 
be so sterile. It needs only the wide-spread and consistent 
practice of a custom to establish its natural results — if 
the seed be good, so will the fruit; if bad, so will the 
harvest. Colburn's seed was excellent, but it fell on ground 
made stony — aye, flinty, by hard knocks and deceitful 
dealing. One man alone cannot make much headway 
against the effect of the bad treatment of years that 
pervades the sea-faring community. 

On the fourth day the Wenonah weighed anchor and 
crossed the Rio de la Plata to Buenos Aires: it takes but 
a few hours to make the trip — the ship left early in the 
morning, and was at the wharf of the other city by even- 
ing. The water is very shallow all the way, and shoals 
more as one approaches the wharves and basins of Buenos 
Aires, which have been constructed to facilitate commerce. 

This, is a rich enterprising mart of trade — full of all 
the activities of a great centre for the reception and dis- 
tribution of the necessaries and luxuries of life to a large 



320 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

city as well as to a populous and extensive surrounding 
country. Buenos Aires has not the advantage of site that 
Montevideo possesses — quite the contrary. It is some 
little distance up the river, and therefore has not the first 
effervescing sparkle of the sea breeze: it is on flat ground, 
only slightly elevated above sea level, and is surrounded 
by an extensive plain — therefore the drainage cannot be 
exceptionally good: still it must be a healthy place — 
the very name of the city (Good Airs) could not be given 
to a foul locality. It is very regular in its plan, all the 
streets cutting each other at right angles; and is decidedly 
modern, having many fine buildings, with, however, a 
touch of Spanish antecedents pervading the whole. The 
streets are wide and clean — as clean, even, as at Monte- 
video; and it has much more the air of a commercial 
metropolis than the latter city. 

The stay of the Wenonah was short — merely to dis- 
charge and replace cargo. There was some cargo, how- 
ever, that could well be left behind; and it was not on 
the bill of lading, either; but consigned in propria persona 
to Jacob Hawse — namely, some cases of whiskey: the 
Mate had wrought such charms with his first essay of 
spirituous consolation that he determined to increase the 
dose until he should have the whole ship's company so 
much within his coils that he could use them at pleasure. 

The passengers repeated at Buenos Aires the round 
of enjoyment and information they had at Montevideo, 
and with equally satisfactory results; so that on the third 
day after arrival, when the call was piped to get underway, 
they were on board loaded to the deep water line with all 
kinds of happy and instructive experiences of this thriving 
citv of the far South. 



From Magellan to Montevideo 321 

Pampero is the name given to a strong, stormy wind 
peculiar to this region: it descends from the snowy peaks 
of the Andes upon the pampas or low plains that form 
this part of the southern continent, especially the valley 
of the Rio de la Plata: a heavy pampero was blowing the 
day the Wenonah sailed from Buenos Aires; and land- 
marks were but dimly visible through the mist that 
accompanied the wind — it was anxious work, picking 
out the way down the river and out toward Maldonado 
Point. As they proceeded, the wind drew ahead — sail 
could not be carried — and coal was burning at an alarm- 
ing rate: still, Colburn kept on, much to the apprehension 
of some on board (due to the ominous looks and fore- 
boding innuendo of the First Mate) that the ship would 
be driven on a lee shoTe — the coast of Uruguay, scarcely 
a mile off. But toward evening the Captain got a glimpse 
of the light house on the beach to the northward — his 
persistent watch in that direction was rewarded by a 
momentary rift in the driving clouds — he saw the beacon 
revealed as by a flash — it established his position and he 
could now lay a course that would take him safely past 
the point. The wind soon hauled aft a little — fore and 
aft sail was set, the engine was slowed, and during the 
night less coal was burned. 

When day broke, the mist had cleared away, the clouds 
were disappearing, no land was in sight, the wind was 
fresh and steady from the southeast quarter, so sail 
was made — steam let down, fires hauled — and the good 
ship Wenonah stood to the northeast on the starboard 
tack. 

The Captain had not left the bridge since casting off 
from the wharf at Buenos Aires: for twenty-four hours 



322 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

he had kept watch in cutting wind and misty rain, so now 
with the ship bounding onward under every sail that 
would draw, with fine weather and a smooth sea ahead, 
he went below and turned in. 



CHAPTER XVII 

Burial at Sea 

Nor have I time 
To give thee hallow'd to thy grave, but straight 
Must cast thee, scarcely coffin 'd, in the ooze; 
Where, for a monument upon thy bones, 
And aye-remaining lamps, the belching whale 
And humming water must o'erwhelm thy corpse, 
Lying with simple shells. 

— Shakspere. 

It is not on firm ground, moving with proud step 
along the stately avenue, amidst the famed and , noted in 
every walk of life, that man thinks most of God, the 
Author of it all; but on the broad ocean — his foot-hold a 
wavy billow, and only the brittle fibre of a plank between 
him and eternity! There, with monotony, solitude, and 
stillness unbroken, save by the rage of storm, which 
wrenches and tosses his little bark as if in derision of his 
efforts to struggle with its mighty force, he feels that he 
is indeed in the grasp of Omnipotence. The few of his 
kind about him are especially dear, because the lot of one is 
the fate of all : the advent of joy is more buoyantly shared, 
and the shaft of affliction makes a deeper wound: the 
intimacy is so close and on such common ground, that a 
chord snapped in one heart sends a pang through all. 

On the second day out from Montevideo, little Ada 

323 



324 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

(as she was affectionately called by all on board) was 
seized by an acute ailment caused by some strawberries 
brought from port. The patter of her little feet was 
missed from the deck and the merriment of her prattle 
no longer lightened every heart : she lay almost inert on 
a couch, her face distorted by pain: the disease made 
rapid progress, and the delicate organism soon showed 
its wasting blight. Her mother, though weak and ailing, 
never left the child's side: throughout the day and during 
the night — throughout the next day and the succeeding 
night she watched and soothed the little sufferer, and 
administered every remedy that promised relief from the 
ravages of the malady: she slept not, and scarcely ate. 
Medicines of last resort were given, but to no avail: on 
the third day, toward evening, her father, who had not 
yet fully realized the seriousness of the ailment, suddenly 
noticed a pallor o'erspread her face and a sinking about 
the eyes — a dimming of those clear, fine mirrors of a pure 
soul. It stunned him, and with a voice striving to stifle 
his emotion, he said to his wife, "I believe Ada is going." 
She knew it — her own intent gaze had long previously 
seen death's shadow hovering near; but she kept the 
knowledge to herself, and bravely strove to deprive him 
of his victim. Day waned, and the little life on the bed 
ebbed faster and faster: every fading breath, now more 
weak than the one before, gave poignancy to the grief of 
the two sore hearts that beat with sad affection. 

"Then has it come at last — must we lose her — will 
only a void remain where joy and sunshine were?" It 
was a desolating thought that their happiness would soon 
be but a memory — the pleasure of rearing and training 
the child, taken from them — the opportunity gone for 



Burial at Sea 325 

cultivating an attractive personality that would afford joy 
to all, and ensure affection for themselves in their declining 
years. Doctor Austin took up the little form in his arms 
and rested the head on his shoulder as he had done many 
a time in fond play: it soothed the child, she rested quietly 
for a little while, and then raising her head with an eager 
plaintive wail, she said, "I want to goto mamma." Al- 
ways mamma! who loved her so, and to whom she ever 
clung with the tenacity of a soft tendril. She left this 
world, her parting breath a yearning for her mother — an 
affection of which it might well be said: "Pour esquisser 
son amour, un ange devrait arracher de ses ailes la plume 
la plus deliee et la tremper dans le coeur de la mere." 

The intangible had fled — the hopes, joys, aspirations, 
saddening emotions and fond affections — the most intense 
realities of life — the spirit — had gone to the realm of its 
Maker; and only the form of clay remained, yet beautiful 
to behold in its simple white robe, as if chiselled in marble. 

The bier was prepared in the forward part of the cabin, 
which was screened off by a heavy portiere hung athwart- 
ships : the body lay in a cot steadied by small lines ; a large 
ensign with some white muslin was artistically festooned 
by Marguerite about the cot, so that the little form seemed 
resting peacefully amidst the drapery; the union-jack 
was laid over the feet and hung in folds to the deck; at the 
head, upon a small table, stood a fine bronze crucifix — 
the symbol of the family's faith, which always accompanied 
them; and on each side of it was a candelabrum containing 
six lighted candles. 

The Captain had considerately told Doctor Austin 
that he need not be in haste about the burial; but the 
latter consulted Brooks about the custom in such cases 



326 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

and learning that sailors were averse to having a body 
on board, he decided to have the interment on the second 
day after the death. The crew offered to keep a con- 
tinuous watch, one at a time, over the remains; but this 
was declined, as the parents expressed a desire to be 
alone with their dead: and thus the Doctor and his wife 
and Marguerite kept company with the little one day and 
night unto the last — Mrs. Austin on the right side, Mar- 
guerite on the left, and each affectionately holding one of 
the little hands in theirs as (when alive) they had often 
done to lull her to sleep: the Doctor sat at the child's feet, 
and all three fixed many a searching look on the little face, 
as if to penetrate the mystery she now knew. It was a 
sad scene: the tearful, grief-stricken living — the placid, 
smiling dead, apparently reflecting the bliss of her spirit 
in Heaven! 

Immediately after the death, the Captain had a coffin 
made of mahogany: affectionate hands assisted in the 
work, so that when the time for burial came, a beautiful 
casket, smoothed and highly polished, was ready: in this 
the remains were placed, and the lid screwed down; but 
Ada's lovely face was still visible through a large square 
of glass inserted in the cover. Word was passed that the 
men could come in and take a last look at the child, and 
every one in the ship did so. A plain box of California 
redwood was made at the same time, in which to place 
the coffin: it had a double bottom filled with ballast to 
ensure its sinking — a delicate forethought of Captain 
Colburn's to hide from view the weight that is attached 
to the cot or hammock in which the dead are usually 
buried at sea. This box was placed on rollers level with 
the gangway and pointed outboard ready for launching; 



Burial at Sea 327 

guys held it secure and steady until the last rites should 
be performed and the word given for separation. 

It was now six bells of the forenoon watch — the time 
set for consigning the body to the deep. The Captain 
came out of his cabin, and told the Mate to take in the 
light sails and courses, and heave-to; and when this was 
done, to have the Boatswain call all hands bury the dead. 

In a subdued, penetrating voice, Hawse gave the 
orders: "To' gallant and royal clewlines!" "Fore and 
main clewgarnets and buntlines!" and when the sails 
were snug in the gear, "Lee fore, weather main, and 
cro'jack, braces!" "Put the helm down!" "Brace up 
— brace aback!" A fresh breeze was blowing on the 
starboard quarter and the ship was skimming smoothly 
over a moderate sea; but as she came to the wind, there 
was for a moment a violent shaking of sails, rattle of blocks, 
and clatter of tackle: then all was quiet, and the ship lay 
still while the wind moaned a solemn dirge through the 
shrouds and rigging. But a sadder note rose in unison — 
the long wired pipe of the Boatswain, followed by the 
call in a deep voice, "All hands bury the dead!" The 
men came aft and gathered round the port gangway: all 
uncovered. The ensign was hoisted to the peak, and 
then half-masted. The ship's bell was tolling; and from 
the cabin came the bier borne by four seamen and followed 
by the parents, the other passengers, and all the officers 
of the ship. The little procession advanced slowly to the 
gangway — a pathetic sight which brought tears to many 
an eye. The coffin was placed in the box — all knelt, and 
Doctor Austin read the prayer for the burial of children: 
"Almighty and most merciful God, Who, when little 
children (born again at the font of baptism) depart from 



328 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

this world, dost bestow upon them life everlasting, as we 
believe Thou hast done this day to the soul of this little 
child — grant, we beseech Thee that we may serve Thee 
here with pure minds, and be forever united to this blessed 
little one in Paradise, through Christ our Lord — Amen." 

The parents took a last tearful look at the dear face — 
then the lid was fastened on — the guys released — the box 
slid easily into the waves — and a pang shot through every 
heart as the last tie that bound them to little Ada was 
severed. 

It was a sore trial to the parents to have their child 
thus pass absolutely from view — no cross to mark her 
resting place, no inscription to commemorate her love 
and winning ways, no mound upon which to strew fragrant 
flowers and grow sweet herbs! It is sad and pathetic 
to endure the hardships of life at sea and be tossed forever 
by its restless waves in death! 

The Doctor and his wife turned sorrowfully away and 
entered the cabin. The Boatswain piped down, and the 
ship filled away on her course. 

"Captain," said Northrup, on the following day, "that 
event of yesterday was the most saddening in all my 
experience. I saw my father die — also my mother; but 
both were advanced in years, and it seemed natural that 
the end should come soon: but here was youth in its most 
attractive freshness cut short off — affectionate little ways 
rent, that clung to our hearts: to pull them out leaves 
traces fresh and raw like those of the creeper torn from 
its support. 

"Then the burial: on shore it is impressive; you linger 
with the remains — you follow them to the church — the 
religious ceremony soothes and comforts and induces 



Burial at Sea 329 

thoughts of the life to come, where you hope to meet the 
departed one; the route to the cemetery further lengthens 
the sad reverie — you commune with the spirit that was 
lately your intimate; and even at the grave, the last words 
are not a final farewell — you will visit it on the morrow, 
and on the next day, and on many a day thereafter, and 
strew flowers upon it, and thus give vent to your feelings 
in little acts of affection that time alone can exhaust. 

"But at sea — the last gasp has scarcely left the body, 
when the cot that bears it is sewn up and cast into the 
ocean: it sinks — sharks attack it — and almost in your 
very sight the vultures of the deep devour it: the ship goes 
on, and all ties are severed as with a knife. 

" O but 'tis rude and sudden — this burial at sea : I hope 
I may never see another! But I suppose it is a frequent 
occurrence with you ? ' ' 

"Not in recent years: but long ago, I was attached 
to a sloop-of-war on which yellow fever was epidemic; 
and in a run from the West Indies to Boston, we hove-to 
almost every day and threw a body overboard. 

"I've seen men killed in action, but it never had the 
depressing effect of yellow-jack. The disease came at 
first as intermittent fever, and nearly half the ship's com- 
pany were down before the surgeon was sure of its nature. 
We were cruising from island to island of the station, 
staying a few days at each port, and all the time filling up 
with the disease: finally, at St. Thomas, it was declared 
yellow fever, with more than a hundred cases in a crew of 
three hundred; and then we ran for a frosty climate — it 
was November, and we made for Boston under steam and 
sail. It took fourteen days to make the passage — we 
hardly had enough men in a watch to man the braces, or 



330 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

in the fire room to shovel coal. Our blood was as thin 
as orange juice (we had been so long on tropical diet), and 
everybody was weak and open to feverish attacks which 
rapidly developed into yellow fever. 

"The gun deck was crowded with men in all stages of 
the disease — from the pain in the head, neck, and spine, 
to delirium and the black vomit. 

"A poor wretch would come down from aloft in the 
heat of mid-day — lie on an arm chest — complain of the 
dread symptoms — grow worse — and within twenty-four 
hours die in the throes of heaving up the contents of his 
stomach. Then sew him up — put a thirty-two pound 
shot at his head arid heels — call all hands bury the dead — 
gather the saffron colored crew at the gangway — stop the 
engine, back the main-topsail — a splash! and fill away 
again; and the victim who but the day before manned 
the braces for a like event, was now consigned to the deep : 
this was almost a daily occurrence, and several went off 
as quickly as that, but many suffered for days. Twenty 
officers alone of the squadron died of the fever in that 
year." 

"That is a vivid picture, Captain," said Brooks, who 
had joined the other two; "and I never had anything 
send such a shiver through me as that same call to bury 
the dead on a man-of-war — the boatswain and his mates 
piping together, and then the guttural call : it reverberated 
throughout the ship — bringing up the men through every 
hatch, as the dead might issue from their graves at the 
sound of the last trumpet : 

'Tuba mirum spargens sonum 
Per sepulchra regionem, 
Coget omnes ante thronum.' " 



Burial at Sea 331 

"Why, have you, too, been in the Navy?" said Colburn 
with surprise. 

"O yes," answered Brooks; "but that is a tale for 
another day: tell us the rest of your yellow-fever experi- 
ence." 

" Well, you cannot imagine the gloomy feeling on board : 
not that we feared the disease — we looked upon it much 
as we would on any ordinary ailment, and I suppose 
this came from being pent up with it; but on the other 
hand, there was no laughter, no joviality, no story-telling 
on that ship; and not the sound of a musical instrument: 
officers and men alike looked sober and serious — the 
solemnity of frequent death was visible in the downcast 
air of all. At night, the watch lay down in each gangway 
and the officers slept on their mattresses on the lee side 
of the poop or quarter deck. 

"Talk of gloom and depression in a city ravaged by 
epidemic! It is nothing compared to a ship. In the 
city, the pest spots are isolated, and the well need not go 
into them — they have their own clean, healthy homes, 
surrounded by means to keep out the malady: but on a 
ship, you mingle with the living that are stricken — you 
breath the same air as those most infected — and you bury 
the dead that are saturated with the disease! 

" On a ship, the foulness of the ailment is concentrated, 
and all alike are subjected to the poison. Three hundred 
souls (more than a third of them afflicted with the fever) 
cooped up in the space of three hundred feet long by 
forty feet wide — and no getting out of it — this is what 
it is to be in the midst of a depressing, fatal influence! 

" Well, we reached Boston, or rather Deer Island, some 
miles below it — only to be put in quarantine and im- 



332 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

prisoned for six weeks more with the pest. I remember 
in particular one genial Saturday — a typical Indian 
Summer day (unfortunately for us, for we needed frosty 
weather) — when everything and everybody was put to 
air: mattresses, blankets, and clothes — all reeking with the 
disease — were hung along on lines, triced up in the rigging, 
and spread out on the rail; and the ship looked like a 
hearse under a pestilential pall: some of the sick, too ill 
to move, lay in their hammocks, and the convalescents — 
wan, thin, and yellow — shambled about the decks: the 
officers sat in a row on the port side of the quarter deck, 
and a gloomy silence pervaded the whole. 

" It is well enough for a large community to take precau- 
tions against inoculation by a disease that is brought to 
them; but a Christian people with all the resources of a 
great city can devise some means for their own protection 
without compelling those who have borne its brunt, to 
still live with it — to have it in their nostrils, lungs, and 
eyes — offending every sense — infecting every organ ! 

"Provisions were brought us, but the tug that came 
with them kept well to windward of the ship and we had 
to send a cutter to her: then when settlement came, the 
butcher and baker didn't fail to make a good profit out of 
our misfortune and the absence of competition." 

"It was monstrous," said Northrup; "and inhuman. 
When were you in the Navy ?" 

"During the civil war, and afterward until I was 
honorably discharged. When the war broke out, I was 
mate of a clipper ship sailing for Calcutta; but the Con- 
federate cruisers swept our commerce from the sea — my 
occupation was gone — and I obtained a commission as 
Acting Ensign. 



Burial at Sea 333 

"I served in the Gulf squadron throughout the war; 
and at its close was attached to the sloop-of-war Manitou, 
on board of which the yellow fever experience I've just 
related, occurred." 

"I wonder you didn't engage in some business when 
you left the Navy." 

"I did, but failed. I was still a comparatively young 
man; so upon discharge, I thought carefully over the 
conditions of sea life: the result was, that I decided to 
try what I could do ashore. For some years I drifted 
from one ocupation to another — never advancing — never 
seeing an opening that promised any hope. I found that 
at sea I had learned methods the very opposite of those 
of the business man — I was constantly running counter 
to him: it was clash, clash, clash, eternally — I lacked that 
oil of intercourse — that devious suavity — that free masonry 
of speech and manner they all seem to practise: I had 
too much of the blunt outspoken action of the sea. Besides, 
I had none of those friendships that begin with boys at 
school, are continued in college, and ripen and spread 
in the counting-house, at the bar, or beside the sick bed; 
and which are prime factors in the problem of success. 
To know each other, and each other's families and friends 
and acquaintances, is a powerful means of advancing 
oneself: to know nobody, and be known by no one, is a 
barrier to every undertaking — and this is what a man 
finds who has passed many years at sea. Even the boys 
of my youth had grown up with scarcely more knowledge 
of me than of a Fiji Islander: ' O yes, there was a William 
Colburn,' they would say after an effort to recall me, as 
if I had dropped from Mars ; but I had passed out of their 
lives. I found that one cannot follow a calling for many 



334 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

years, then drop it, and begin life anew: neither can he 
be successful in any occupation, or even get employment 
in it, without long apprenticeship, and learning its details 
from the bottom up. There is delicacy of touch in both 
the musician and the painter, but the nimble fingers of 
the pianist fleeting o'er the keys can never produce the 
marvels of the easel; nor can the skill of the lapidary 
replace the training of the marble cutter. No, I realized 
that I must go back to the sea; and here I am, resolved 
to make the most of whatever offers." 

During this recital, Brooks frequently nodded assent to 
much in the account that was true of his own life : at length 
he said, " Well, there is almost as much gloom in this ship 
today as there was on the Manitou — and all for a little 
girl! With me it is natural to be sad, for I have known 
her from birth: I have seen her first efforts at speech, 
listened to her childish prattle, been a partner of her 
youthful frolics, watched her gradual development and 
answered her quaint little questions which daily became 
more puzzling. I have been a part of her laughter and 
her pastime: with me it is the disappearance not only of 
a beautiful face and form, but also the loss of companion- 
ship in lovely budding youth — a warm heart, a pure soul, 
and a bright mind : she would have made a noble woman. 

"But with the men forward — it is wonderful how 
they feel it! She was the very opposite of their rough 
natures, and yet they seem as downcast as by the loss of 
a shipmate." 

"That tendency," said Northrup, "of opposites to 
attract each other, I have seen (to all appearances) even 
in trees: the cedar and maple, tamarack and spruce, 
birch and pine — you will see in the Adirondack forests, 



Burial at Sea 335 

pairs of these different trees growing up together, their 
branches interlocking with almost the affection of human 
beings. 

" What can be more unlike than the birch and the pine ? 
The birch often rises from the ground in a group of 
separate saplings; the wood is fine and close in fibre; the 
bark is smooth and white, and encircles the wood in 
silken bands ; and the branches are of varied form, tapering 
into twigs that are covered with an abundance of broad 
leaves: the pine, on the other hand, grows as a single 
trunk — its bark is scraggy and dark — the wood soft and 
loose-grained — the branches straight and symmetrical — 
and the leaves, mere clusters of sharp needles. And yet 
I have seen these two species grow up together more 
frequently than any others. 

"I remember well one couple on the trail from Lake 
Placid to the White Face Inn: both are large trees — the 
pine about three feet in diameter, and the birch twenty 
inches; the bark of the pine is rough and furrowed length- 
wise with the deep grooves of age, while the bark of the 
birch is soft and white, and frayed at intervals into bunches 
of flossy, silken ribbons; for a height of forty feet neither 
has branches, only the pine retains the short stubs of some 
withered limbs. Now these two wholly dissimilar trees 
have grown from mere saplings to rotund girth in amicable 
embrace: the roots of the birch overlie those of the pine; 
for twenty feet of the trunks of both their bark is stuck 
together by the mingling of their sap; the branches inter- 
lace; and the needles of the one forever brush the leaves 
of the other: when one falls or suffers injury, the other 
will receive a rude shock — they are of mutual support and 
shelter, and together they will be rent by the lightning's bolt. 



336 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

" All the outward features of the birch denote a love of 
kind — its delicate skin, abundant foliage, and twining 
branches indicate a fine nature which invites companion- 
ship and reaches out for friendship : while the harsh bark, 
pointed needles, and straight limbs of the pine all repel; 
and yet the birch has a heart of stone. It is a prominent 
feature of the region I speak of, that the birch generally 
grows over a rock or boulder, its roots embracing the 
stone with a semblance of affection : how this comes about, 
I cannot say — whether a little soil on top of the stone 
originally gave life to a birch seed, which, sprouting and 
growing, spread its roots over the stone in quest of nourish- 
ment; or whether several young plants bent their tendrils 
toward the rock, crept up its sides, and, uniting, rose as 
one trunk upon its summit. I recall a remarkable instance 
of this kind: the stone had the bulk of a large cooking 
range and stood wholly on the surface of the ground; 
two large birches, bound together at their base, by a stout 
ligament, rested on its flat top, and sent out roots strong 
and sinuous to seek nutriment from the earth around; 
these roots overlapped and intertwined and bound the 
stone tightly as with bands of iron: if one of the trees 
should be cut down, its mate would also feel the axe, 
and its sap exude until decay set in: they truly typify 
many pairs of human lives whose habits, affections, 
prejudices, occupations, pleasures, worries, and ills have 
grown so much together, that when death takes one, the 
other will soon follow — the feelings, sentiments, and 
intimacies of a life-time cannot be severed without the stem 
that gave them birth and nourishment soon withering." 

Northrup had attained his object — to divert the con- 
versation from fever microbes, while preserving the sober 



Burial at Sea 337 

mood they all were in. When the conversation ended, 
Colburn went away, and then Northxup said, "Brooks, 
I think our lightsome days in this ship are at an end: 
in deference to the feelings of not only the Doctor and his 
wife, but also in accord with our own, we can have no 
more of the amusements that helped pass so many happy 
hours; and yet we must not mope or coddle our grief — 
that would benefit no one, neither the living nor the dead. 
Now, while avoiding a shock to any one's sensibilities, I 
think we might turn the conversation into some instructive 
as well as entertaining channel — what do you say to 
asking the Captain to give us his views on matters per- 
taining to his profession ? He is an intelligent man, 
and I have no doubt could tell us some interesting things 
about the sea — I don't mean stories or sailors' yarns, 
but something about winds, currents, and the varied 
information that the commander of a ship should possess." 

"An excellent idea," answered Brooks; "and besides 
drawing us away from saddening thoughts, it will divert 
the Captain from his own troubles. I have noticed of 
late that the First Mate is again getting a vicious ascend- 
ency over the men — he is more with them and in a more 
familiar way than he was a few weeks ago; and they are 
more ready — even eager to jump about at his orders. I 
have smelled rum often on the men, and I shouldn't be 
surprised if Hawse were supplying it — to gain their good 
will. At any rate, the tide is rising against the Captain — 
I see it in many little incidents, and he sees it too : the men 
are slighting those matters they know he sets much store 
by, and it is worrying him." 

And so it was planned to ask the Captain to deliver a 
little discourse on matters pertaining to the sea. 



CHAPTER XVIII 

The Winds and Currents of Ocean 

It was a clear, beautiful afternoon in the Southeast 
Trades, and the ship was gliding smoothly on — every sail 
set, every brace taut, the decks cleaned up, and naught to 
do but enjoy the delightful weather and soothing motion of 
the vessel : everything conduced to sleep or dreamy reverie. 

The passengers were gathered on the poop — the men 
smoking in silence, and Mrs. Austin and Marguerite 
looking out upon the rolling sea and thinking that in its 
ceaseless movement the child of their heart was forever 
tossing. A melancholy mood was upon the group, and 
their thoughts roamed into the far distance — they were 
speculative, unreal. The Captain joined them, and 
immediately Northrup seized upon it to break the sad spell. 

"Captain," he said; "remember you promised to tell us 
something about your profession, and a more opportune 
moment could not offer: we are all in the realms of space, 
brooding over matters that are not good for us, and I 
know of no antidote equal to the realities of your life." 

"I fear," answered Colburn, "that you won't find what 
I have to say very interesting; but as you are floating in 
regions of air, I may as well talk about the winds, so that 
at some future day when you read of one of those frightful 
disasters of the deep, you will appreciate the conditions 
in which the man is placed who may have wrecked his 
career as well as his ship — if not his life. 

338 



The Winds and Currents of Ocean 339 

"And what I have to say relates particularly to sailing 
ships; for although much that the seaman needs to know 
is used on steamers and sailing ships alike, still its scope is 
larger on the latter, and its use calls into play more skill 
and judgment. The motive power constitutes the differ- 
ence. The captain of a steamer has an engineer to run 
and repair the machinery; but the master of a sailing ship 
must determine for himself when to reef and when to lie- 
to, and if a sail splits or spar carries away, he must exercise 
his own mind and use his own resources to repair the 
damage. The captain of a steamer is largely dependent 
on another's judgment — the captain of the sailing ship is 
ever exercising his own ; and the difference in responsibility, 
in ready resource, self-reliance, and the other qualities 
that these diverse conditions develop, is very great. 

" The winds being the motive power of the ship, occupy 
the foremost place ; and the captain must know them well — 
where they are favorable, and where baffling, in order to 
profit by the one and avoid the other. We have passed 
through the great wind systems of the globe, so that a few 
about them will fix their nature in the mind. 

" If we could perch on some lofty eyrie, and look down 
upon the earth, imagined to be studded with an infinity 
of weather vanes, we should see these vanes pointing for- 
ever in the same general direction over two broad zones; 
while between these zones the vanes would hang listless 
or flutter about : such are the Trade- wind belts, separated 
by the region of calms. 

"Capricious whirling is not the characteristic of the 
atmosphere — the wind bloweth not where it listeth, but 
is directed into well defined paths by natural forces. 

"Imagine the earth a smooth, round mass of land — at 



340 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

rest — and uniformly heated: the air will also be at rest, 
for no cause exists to give it motion ; but let the sun strike 
down, as now, on the torrid zone — the land will be heated, 
and in turn will heat the air above it, which will rise and 
spread out at great altitudes. The heating will be less and 
less as we approach the poles, with a corresponding 
condition of the air overlying the earth : the state of affairs 
will be like that of an open fire place, which creates an 
indraught from the adjacent parts of the room — the cool, 
heavy air of the temperate zones will flow in to replace the 
heated, light air rising from the equatorial belt; and thus 
will be established the circuit of the winds — upward at 
the equator, toward each pole in the higher regions of 
space (with a gradual descent to earth), and then from both 
north and south along the surface to the equator. In the 
language of Mr. Brooks, this would be the cycle of the air 
if the earth were at rest; but with the earth's actual motion 
from west to east, the direction is modified — that is, a 
current of air proceeding from either pole toward the 
equator, successively meets parts of the earth's surface 
moving faster than itself: it is as if its flow fell more and 
more behind the meridian line, or a direct course across 
the land over which it blows; or, as if (the earth being at 
rest) the current of air were pushed bodily from east toward 
the west, and with increasing force at each advance toward 
the equator. 

" This reduces the matter to compounding two forces — 
one from the pole (that is, the actual velocity of the wind), 
the other the simulated push from the east (that is, the 
retard of the mass of moving air relatively to the real 
motion of the earth); and the result is the direction of 
the winds we feel — the Northeast and Southeast Trades. 



The Winds and Currents of Ocean 341 

"The velocity of one component, that of any given 
parallel of latitude, is constant; but the velocity of the wind 
from the pole is variable: so that their resultant — the 
actual direction of the wind, veers and hauls a good deal 
in its own quadrant. 

"The Trade-wind belts gird the earth at the equator 
and on each side as far as the twenty-eighth parellel ; but 
the limits are not the same everywhere: and moreover, 
the whole mass of air constituting this system sways to and 
fro with a pendulous motion that keeps time to the move- 
ment of the sun toward the solstices. 

"The Trades would complete the circuit of the globe 
with the same even flow they have on the ocean, but for 
the high mountain ranges and arid sandy plains that pro- 
duce those extremes of temperature and moisture which 
break up all regularity of wind. 

" On the polar sides of the Trades are two other systems 
— the great west winds. After leaving the Southeast 
Trades in the Pacific, we ran in toward the coast of Pata- 
gonia before the westerly system of the southern hemisphere; 
but these winds have never the equability or regularity of 
the Trades: they generally blow from westerly points of 
the compass, that is all; and are boisterous, squally, full 
of gales and bad weather. 

"Besides these grand systems of wind, there are other 
movements of the air, which may be divided into two 
classes — those peculiar to certain localities, and rotary 
storms : I shall leave the latter until we approach the place 
they arise — the West Indies. 

" Of the former, there are coast winds, and we had a short 
experience of such coming down the California coast — 
they blow there continually from the northwest. 



342 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

" Then there are the land and sea breezes of the tropics — 
winds that blow from the land toward the sea during the 
night, and from the sea toward the land during the day, 
because the sea and land, each in turn, is unequally heated : 
these winds enable a ship to work into port. 

"Again, there is the pampero — a gale peculiar to the 
lower part of South America: we had a sample of one 
coming out of the Rio de la Plata. 

"Near high island peaks, such as Teneriffe, there are 
violent, flawy winds — the ship may be one minute becalmed 
and suddenly a breeze springs up that only reefed topsails 
will stand: it is always anxious sailing in such places. 

" The monsoons of India, China, and Australia blow for 
six months in one direction and then for six months in the 
opposite direction: they are simply the Trades diverted 
from their natural course during a part of the year by the 
abnormal heating of the Asiatic and Australian continents. 

" Regions of calm are the quagmires of the ocean, through 
which ships must often flounder: their worst stretch is 
west of the Isthmus of Panama — a long tongue thrust 
out into the Pacific. Quite a wide belt is also here in the 
Atlantic between the two Trade-wind systems. The 
areas of tropical calm, or (properly speaking) light variable 
winds, are characterized by heavy rains, violent squalls, 
and frightful thunder and lightning — a pyrotechnic display 
nowhere else to be seen. It is also in them that one suffers 
most from excessive moisture in the air. The sun beats 
down on a warm sea, and the vapor rises freely; there is 
little wind, and it accumulates to overload the atmosphere; 
the heat is great, and this enables the air to hold a great 
quantity of vapor — one is enveloped in hot moist air, which 
prevents evaporation from the body and radiation from 



The Winds and Currents of Ocean 343 

the earth — it makes him limp, irritable, and nervous. 

"Then this surcharged air rises and is cooled — upper 
cold currents cross it — and the vapor is condensed and 
comes down in torrential rain with brilliant electrical 
accompaniment. The atmosphere is cleansed and light- 
ened of its burden — evaporation begins anew and goes on 
until the air can bear no more, and again we have the down- 
pour with storm, squall, thunder, and lightning. All 
this is good for vegetation, and accordingly we find the 
growth rank and luxuriant; but man does not shoot up 
like a weed, nor creep like a vine, and so this hot-house 
forcing does not agree with him — he wilts. 

"There is, of course, a relation between the velocity 
of the wind — that is, the speed with which a mass of air 
travels from one point to another — and the pressure it 
exerts on any surface in its path: a light wind has a velocity 
of five miles an hour and pressure of one-eighth of a pound 
per square foot; a stiff breeze, a velocity of twenty-five miles 
and pressure of three pounds ; a gale blowing fifty miles an 
hour has a force of twelve pounds per square foot; and a 
hurricane with the velocity of a hundred miles an hour 
has a force of nearly fifty pounds per square foot. 

"A ship would be reduced to bare poles in this last 
case; nevertheless, her masts, yards, hull and rigging 
aggregate a large area, and under the pressure of fifty 
pounds per square foot, she would drive before the storm 
regardless of helm! But take the case of a stiff breeze: 
the Wenonah spreads about twenty thousand square feet 
of canvas; with the wind on the quarter and all sail set, 
she would be driven through the water by a pressure of 
sixty thousand pounds on her sail area alone, and this is 
what gives her best speed in a moderate sea. It is a 



344 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

tremendous force compared with our auxiliary steam 
power — a capricious force, besides, that one must adapt 
himself to, not control with throttle valve or water gauge! 

"As there are steady winds blowing through the atmo- 
sphere, and rapid rivers coursing over the land, so there 
are currents both swift and sluggish pervading the ocean. 
Two broad streams, one in each great ocean, flow beneath 
the Trade winds — in fact, are (in part) due to them, the 
friction of the wind upon the water carrying the latter 
along with it to considerable depth: arriving at the conti- 
nents in their path, the streams divide and skirt the coasts 
until they reach the temperate zones, where they turn 
eastward ; again, on reaching the western sides of the conti- 
nents from which they started, they are deflected toward 
the equator. Thus we find four great elliptical circuits 
of ocean flow — one in the North Atlantic, a second in the 
South Atlantic; a third in the North Pacific, and a fourth 
in the South Pacific: and all with the same general set — 
west in equatorial regions, toward the poles along the 
eastern coasts of Asia and America, east in temperate zones, 
and toward the equator along the western coasts of 
America, Europe, and Africa. In this round, the water 
becomes alternately heated and cooled, which, as with the 
air, gives it an impetus on its circuit. This grand flow is 
broken up by promontories and islands into every kind of 
oceanic creek, brook, and rivulet — some are cool, some are 
warm; others are swift and more are slow: all vary in depth. 

"And it behooves the mariner to know them well and 
take good account of their set and velocity, lest they drift 
him into disaster. We passed through several of these 
ocean streams, but you did not know it — they had no 
visible confines, and their placid flow awakened no interest 



The Winds and Currents of Ocean 345 

except in the one who had to reckon with them. In the 
North Atlantic, however, we shall come to a current that 
is the marvel of the deep — the Gulf Stream, whose clear, 
blue, warm water is as sharply divided from the cold, 
green, muddy polar current that flows beside it, as if 
separated by a solid wall. Off Hatteras you will see this 
wonder: I have crossed it many times, and experienced 
what you will find stated about it in scientific books and 
sailing directions : the latter are the more reliable, however 
— they are for practical use ; the former are tinged with the 
speculative color of the theorist. 

" In thus talking about winds and currents, I am really 
telling you what the master of a ship should know; and I 
may as well go a little further in the same vein, as his 
knowledge is much more varied than is generally supposed. 

"As calms are the quagmires, so fog banks are the 
jungle of the ocean, through which ships must grope their 
way — tooting horn or steam whistle and keeping a sharp 
look-out for other ships hidden in the mist. 

"The abandoned derelict, sodden and half submerged 
by the swash of waves, is another source of anxiety, es- 
pecially in the gloom of night. 

" Then there is that other wreck with human lives cling- 
ing to it: the storm is raging and you must tax your in- 
genuity to rescue those men without loss of your own; 
it is a dreadful situation to be placed in — to determine 
which life may probably be lost. The boat's crew will go — 
O yes, it is never a question with them — the hesitation is 
in your mind, and you must not weigh the chances too 
nicely; time presses, and yet life hangs in the balance 
whichever scale descends. 

" Seamanship and navigation are of course the important 



346 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

branches of a sailor's education, but both cover a wide 
range; the former has generally to do with handling the 
ship under sail or steam, in storm or bad weather, on the 
high seas, and in narrow waters; navigation includes all 
that deals with the course and position of the vessel — the 
one to be laid with reference to winds, currents and dangers 
of the deep; the other to be determined by daily observa- 
tion of the sun as well as by dead reckoning. The mag- 
netism of the ship produces compass errors which must be 
found by the procedure you saw in the Pacific, and also 
daily on a few points that may be used. 

"Again: it is no small part of the seaman's training to 
predict the weather from the signs of the sky in connection 
with indications of the barometer and wet and dry bulbs: 
he should be able to scent the gale afar off as well as the 
coming shift of wind; and in particular he must know the 
laws of revolving storms and how to apply them intelli- 
gently. 

" Though apparently a simple matter, the correct knowl- 
edge and ready application of the rules of the road at sea, 
are among the most important parts of the seaman's 
education: collision, disaster, and death follow from 
ignorance of the rules, and sometimes even from following 
them literally. Circumstances arise — in the twinkling 
of an eye — where quick, intelligent action will avoid 
collision by a sensible manoeuvre not covered by any rule. 
The rules themselves are unequivocal; and if both sides 
followed them, all would go well ; but the human element — 
the ignorance, stupidity, and wilfulness of man are not 
considered in framing them, and hence their literal applica- 
tion often results in misfortune. The strict maintenance 
of running lights is closely allied to the rules of the road. 



The Winds and Currents of Ocean 347 

"Familiarity with the international code of signals is 
essential to every sailor: whatever his native tongue, the 
language of this code enables him to communicate with a 
fellow seaman either in distress oramicable greeting. 

"But all the foregoing has to do with deep sea sailing: 
on nearing land, another body of information comes into 
play — study of sailing directions, to fix in the mind the 
configuration of the coast; of charts, to see the shoaling 
of water and location of rocks and hidden dangers ; of light- 
lists, to learn the character, color, and visibility of those 
needed for running in at night; and of tides, beacons, and 
buoys to direct the ship's course. 

" She draws in apace — a mist obscures the horizon, and 
the deep-sea lead is set going to warn of danger : you heard 
its doleful sound, 'watch-ho- watch!' at intervals through- 
out the night off the coast of Uruguay. Closer shore, the 
glass tube replaces the heavy lead, and by the amount of its 
discoloration the depth of water is ascertained. The land 
peers through the haze, and now with cross-bearings on 
its prominent points, and soundings by the hand lead, the 
ship is directed toward the harbor. She sails on — no pilot 
appears — and the Captain is obliged to take her up the 
narrow channel, and anchor her in the bay, or berth her at 
a wharf. 

"Bringing a ship alongside a wharf is a crucial test of 
the seaman — it brings out his skill, alertness, and self- 
possession: it is an exhibition, and he is the star actor. 
The owners and others are there to watch the manoeuvre; 
and woe betide the captain who fails, whether through 
lubberly action, or the effect of some treacherous eddy- 
current, or other misfortune, that neither seamanship nor 
forethought could provide against: the actual performance 



348 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

is all the spectators consider, and their contemptuous 
criticism is more stinging than the hiss of the gallery at the 
actor who has bungled. 

"Finally, the responsibility for the ship and crew are 
solely the Captain's — he shares it with no one: he cannot 
divest himself of it if he would, nor can he seek advice from 
those he must control. It is a little world to be governed 
by one man, and to do this successfully, that man must 
have not only professional knowledge, but also tact, firm- 
ness, geniality, and fair dealing. 

"The sailor's career is complicated and varied in what 
he knows, in what he does, and in what he has to apply 
himself to — far beyond what people ashore think it is; 
and it makes of him a hardy, bold, practical man." 



CHAPTER XIX 

Running 

There are two kinds of running at sea — the physical 
and the psychological : a ship runs before the gale under low 
sail, when there is plenty of sea room; and it is also in 
stormy conditions — a mental storm, that the sensibilities 
drive before the torturing pursuit of some brutal force. 

The crew of an American ship are rarely all Americans : 
it is not made up of the hardy, self-reliant, self-respecting 
natives that manned the fishing smacks off Cape Cod in 
days of yore — quite the contrary: even in the smallest 
crews, representatives of many nationalities will be found — 
a heterogeneous mixture of prejudices, passions, and 
smoldering feuds; the Jew and the Gentile are also there — 
full of inherent antagonism. 

The life in common affords a fertile field for indulging 
individual traits: where the same persons are thrown 
together day after day, the strain upon mutual forbearance 
is put to a severe test. If training and education do not 
weld the members closely — worse, if fractious elements 
compose the links (as in a ship's company), then indeed 
is the union likely to give way at many a point; the strong- 
est, quickest, wittiest — the most alert of mind and nimble 
of limb — the one possessed of any salient quality (es- 
pecially the physical) will assert his domination over the 
whole. On shore, frequent association leads to ease of 
intercourse — foibles become known and allowance is made 

349 



350 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

for them: the regular customer or steady boarder receives 
more consideration than the casual purchaser or transient 
guest. On board ship, association is the most intimate 
possible — foibles become known there also; but oft times 
it is not to make allowance for them — but to expose them 
and make them conspicuous by every means that can 
wound the sensibilities of their unfortunate possessor: 
he is in a crude community which only the restraints of 
discipline keep within bounds. 

In the Wenonah 's crew there were French and Spaniards, 
Irish and Italians; the negro and the Jap were there; and 
also a Russian — one Ivan Kaulbars, and a native of 
Tuscany — -Carlo Castagnuolo: these names indicate their 
respective natures — the one harsh and rugged, the other 
smooth and supple. Ivan was thirty years of age — a sea- 
soned sailor, stocky and powerful: he came aboard with a 
full beard of the anarchist type and a head of bristling hair. 
The Captain made him keep both trimmed, so that he had 
much of the convict's appearance — short stubble and low 
forehead. His eyes were fierce and restless, and his show 
of teeth gave him an expression of savagery: the animal — 
ferocious and prowling — was present in every feature. 
The Italian, on the other hand, had the delicate traits of 
his race: he was but twenty-two — slender and lithe, with 
a clear complexion, smooth skin, fine eyes and a Roman 
nose. This last proved his misfortune, though deemed a 
feature to be proud of — Ivan took it to be Jewish. Now 
between Russian and Jew there is an abiding antipathy; 
and although Ivan soon learned the error of his first 
impression, still the prejudice remained, to give sting to 
his actions toward Carlo. 

Carlo had never been to sea: whatever his occupation 



Running 351 

in San Francisco, he got stranded, and sought work on the 
Wenonah as a means of returning to New York, en route 
to his sunny Italy. His hands were soft and his feelings 
sensitive, but he early went aloft and did his work without 
plaint: he had a quick intelligence and learned rapidly; 
but he was taciturn, kept much to himself, and while 
companionable with those who were congenial to him, yet 
he sought nobody. 

Ivan had all the swagger and prestige of one at home in 
his surroundings — Carlo, the timidity and uncertainty of 
one entirely new to both his work and his associates. 
Ivan, though a sailor of long standing, was neither capable 
nor energetic: in reefing, he was not found at the weather 
earing where skill is required, nor in the bunt where heavy 
canvas must be handled, but on the yard arm where the sail 
is light and only reef points to tie; in loading cargo, he 
shouldered the lightest burden and was slow to move ; dur- 
ing night watches he sought a snug corner and lay down to 
sleep; he would rub eternally on a piece of brass already 
shining, but never attack anything covered with verdegris; 
he was awkward at drills, but first at mess and foremost in 
all growls — in a word, he was a lazy, vicious, incompetent 
bully. 

The struggle to come was wholly unequal: the boon 
companions of the one would encourage every assault, 
the sympathizers of the other were too cowardly to show 
their feelings. 

To avoid a quarrel, Carlo overlooked many a provoca- 
tion, or bore it patiently : not that he lacked courage either 
physical or moral — he would probably show both where the 
bully would flinch; but the attacks were so like the stings 
of gnats (yet in the aggregate maddening), that he did not 



352 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

know how to resent them without appearing childish and 
ridiculous: they always raised a laugh, and to show irrita- 
tion would only evoke a guffaw. Ivan and Carlo were in 
the same watch, and therefore thrown much together: 
Ivan pecked on Carlo — pecked as the game cock pecks at 
his prostrate foe; not that torn flesh resulted — O no, only 
lacerated feelings — the spiteful word, half jocular and 
wholly tantalizing: he was Dago, with taunts of a hand 
organ career; or signorina, with soft ways mimicked to the 
infinite amusement of the watch; or sheeney, with raised 
palms denoting the deprecatory Jew driving a hard bargain. 
Not a personal quality nor racial trait but was turned to 
laughter, and in a laughing way; and all the time Carlo was 
in pain, but tried to look as if it were only a joke. 

Patience is an admirable quality, especially at sea; to 
show annoyance at small things is only to invite a flow of 
torture: the hornets are many — the assailed, but one. 

A man with pretentious peculiarities — a dude, a snob, a 
crank, or abnormal personality of any kind, will have his 
ridiculous affectations well wrung out of him on board ship : 
it is a plain life which finds expression in direct speech. 
This is the good side of the situation, but there is a reverse; 
no good is attained by humiliating and harassing one such 
as Carlo with no offensive traits — a gentle nature that 
merely affords an opportunity to a gross one to practise its 
brutalities. 

And while it is well to take in good part many a joke, 
rude though it often is, still there is a point where endur- 
ance lapses into weakness. The person who is constantly 
running another, is broadly streaked with the animal 
nature — essentially coarse: dogs, cats, and pigs — bird and 
beast of every kind exhibit the trait; one tries to dominate 



Running 353 

the others — it barks, snaps, bites, pecks or grunts in quarrel- 
some temper, and this is also the method of the person who 
tries to run another. He is spurred on by those who have 
equally low instincts — the class which delights in a cock 
fight, a dog fight, a bull fight, or a prize fight: it matters 
little who the combatants are, so that they are tearing, 
maiming, mutilating each other — making the blood flow 
from bruised and battered flesh. Is this other than the 
beast let loose ? And wherein does it differ from running? 
Only in degree — not in kind: a person of refined feelings 
could never find pleasure in the brutal fisticuff or cutting 
word. 

Ivan grew more coarse and cruel toward Carlo, to the 
greater amusement of his shipmates : not that they had any- 
thing against Carlo — he made no pretensions; but they 
instinctively felt that he was of different fibre and mould 
and actuated by more decent impulses; and this was 
enough to excite their antipathy: besides, they were eager 
for the open fight they saw looming through all these jibes 
and jeers. 

The pre-arranged fight, carried out according to fixed 
rules, differs in no wise from the duel : the weapons merely 
differ — one are fists, the other pistols ; and both are wholly 
indefensible as means of satisfying injured feelings. The 
resentment due to injury has somewhat cooled, and if there 
is time to arrange for personal encounter, satisfaction can 
usually be sought by legal or established methods. The 
mere overpowering or death of one of the combatants does 
not settle the case on its merits : nothing is determined but 
that the victor has the stronger muscle, greater skill, surer 
aim, or some other physical quality. Indeed the first 
aggressor may be the subsequent victor, and then the 



354 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

injury is doubled. The duel, whether with fists or pistols, 
is the method of the bull-dog or any other dumb animal 
that cannot reason about the wrong inflicted, and settle 
by punishing the aggressor. 

But the blow in hot blood — when tingling under the 
nameless epithet, or pricked into action by the nettles that 
sting and sting until the sensibilities are aflame — that is 
another thing; and such a blow is an effective way of sup- 
pressing the bully: strike him hard and pitilessly until all 
his swagger — his gnat-like pestering comes out with his 
vicious blood: it will not have to be done a second time, 
and now do it well. 

And there is no excuse for a brow-beating blackguard 
going about, making any one's life intolerable. Should 
it be borne? Certainly not. The victim cannot always 
appeal to legal means or the constituted authorities to 
redress the grievance, or prevent its continuance: it is too 
trivial, and to tell of it is tame beside feeling it. You can- 
not describe the recurring buzz of the mosquito throughout 
the night — just grazing your face and whizzing in your ear 
every time you are on the point of dropping to sleep, only 
to slap at him — miss — and wait for the next assault; but 
it all maddens, and weary and worn, you get up in the 
morning unequal to the task of the day. Such is the 
practise of the bully who tries to run another — all the mean 
taunts possible — playing upon one's name, devising nick- 
names, sneering at one's peculiarities, everything that will 
make him ridiculous in the eyes of others and raise a laugh 
at his expense. 

Carlo knew that Ivan's fists would make short work of 
him — black eyes, teeth knocked out, painful bruises, and 
other injuries, with hardly a chance to hit back : what could 



Running 355 

he do against a brutal pounding with only small hands and 
soft muscle ? On the other hand, to go on quietly, endur- 
ing greater abuse and more of it every day, was intolerable ; 
before they reached New York, he would be the despised 
butt of the ship. He made up his mind — he put a keen 
edge on his sheath-knife. 

A few days afterward, the watch was on the forecastle, 
and all in jesting mood. Carlo was the scapegoat as usual, 
whom Ivan lashed with tongue and gesture, to the merri- 
ment of all. At length one of the men taunted Carlo with, 
" Why do you stand it — why don't you hit back ?" It was 
Ivan who answered, "Because there's no sand in the son 
of a—" 

Quick as a tiger, Carlo sprang on him — knife out, to 
bury in his heart: but Ivan was equally quick — threw up 
his arm to parry the cut — and got the full length of the steel 
in his fleshy shoulder. Before Carlo could carry out his 
intent to finish the brute, he was seized and held by the 
other men. It changed their opinion of him in a flash: 
he was now to be feared — they thought him a milk-sop, 
but he showed fight. 

Doctor Austin was sent for: the man bled freely and 
looked ghastly; the Doctor stopped the flow and cared for 
him as was necessary. In a few days he pronounced him 
out of danger, but that the wound would require some time 
to heal, and that probably it would continue a weak spot 
to prevent any great effort with the arm. 

Meanwhile, the Captain had called Carlo to the mast 
and heard his story: it struck him as being entirely truth- 
ful, and the finale appealed so strongly to his sense of 
summary justice, that — much to the astonishment of all 
hands — he let Carlo go forward without even a word of 



356 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

censure. This emboldened the men and enhanced their 
regard for Carlo, so that when the Captain called one after 
another aft to learn all he could about the case, they told 
everything: the bully had been cowed, and they no longer 
feared him; and such is ever the fickle mob, whether on 
ship or shore. They worship the idol only when on his 
pedestal, but stamp on it when lying prone ! 

When the investigation was over, the Doctor said, 
" Captain, I guess you have a case on hand, as well as I ?" 
"O no," answered Colburn: "mine is finished — Carlo 
left nothing for me to do." 

The Doctor looked surprised, so the Captain related the 
whole feud from beginning to end as he had learned it; 
for all the men's stories agreed in substance : then he added, 
" Ivan got no more than he deserved : he hounded Carlo 
until his life was a hell. The vile name he called him was 
but the spark to the explosion: to revenge it with a blow 
of the fist would only afford Ivan an opportunity to give 
Carlo a brutal beating — the difference between them is so 
great : one, a powerful man — the other, a soft boy scarcely 
developed. To go on without striking back was impossible 
and to have the ship's officers wholly stop the abuse was 
impracticable. The scurrilous epithet in itself might not 
have warranted a knife thrust (and yet I don't see how else 
he could have avenged the injury) ; but in view of all the 
previous provocation, I think he did only what was open 
to him to do ; and if he had killed Ivan, I for one (on a jury) 
would have brought in a verdict of justifiable homicide. 
Carlo used the actual knife, but how many stabs had Ivan 
given him with a much keener weapon ! Ivan was the real 
aggressor and by many offenses — Carlo only the infuriated 
victim goaded to the open act. 



Running 357 

"As between nations there are affairs that will not be 
submitted to arbitration, so among men there are words 
and actions — it may be a whole line of conduct (as in this 
case) — which cannot be atoned for, or corrected, by appeal 
to law or the constituted authorities : fine or imprisonment 
does not fit the case. If you are walking with your wife, 
and a blackguard steps up and insults her, you knock him 
down; and when you are taken to court for breach of the 
peace, I guess the judge will let you off easy — it is the 
American's tribute to the fitness of the act." 

"Yes, Captain, you are right; and your view of Carlo's 
case seems to me most sensible and just." 

And so Carlo was not troubled more, but went on in the 
same even tenor of his ways, now held in high regard by 
all the men. Such is the profit and lesson of maintaining 
your own rights — when you have a sensible man to deal 
with, such as Colburn was. The Jacob Hawses of the 
sea, in their routine, unreasoning way, would have put 
Carlo in irons at once for the mere overt act ! They judge 
by that alone, unconscious of the gross injustice it often 
inflicts. 



CHAPTER XX 

Captain Colburn Discourses on Various Matters 

He knew the chart 

Of the sailor's heart — 

All its pleasures and its griefs; 

All its shallows and rocky reefs; 

All those secret currents that flow 

With such resistless undertow, 

And lift and drift with terrible force 

The will from its moorings and its course. 

— Longfellow. 

It was one of those delightful days so frequent in the 
South Atlantic: the sea was ruffled by only such undula- 
tions as would save it from the condition called glassy; 
the sky was clear; the temperature genial; and the breeze, 
the soft velvety Trades. The ship was making only seven 
knots with everything spread — square sails and staysails. 
Other ships were in sight, dotting the light blue of sky and 
sea with their white canvas, some standing to the north- 
ward and some to the southwest — it was the cross-roads of 
ocean traffic, in the vicinity of the equator. On the weary 
stretch from Callao to the coast of Patagonia, the Wenonah 
had not met a single vessel; while here, every day several 
hove in sight. Our voyagers were comfortably disposed 
in their usual lounging place — the lee side of the poop — 
happy in the vista of smooth sea about them, and happy 

358 



Captain Colburn Discourses 359 

in the balmy weather that soothed every sense. It was 
afternoon, and quiet reigned abroad — contentment on 
board. 

The hours after mid-day are ever more conducive to rest 
than those preceding it : they are like the years that follow 
middle age. In the period of youth we are strong and 
eager for the fray; but when past the meridian of life as 
well as the noon of day, the spirits flag — enthusiasm and 
aggressiveness are on the wane — and we are disposed to 
look more considerately on everything in life because of the 
experience we have gained. 

Something of this mood pervaded our little group — it 
had been induced by a good meal and enhanced by the 
curling smoke from fragrant cigars. The Captain joined 
them: he was happy and communicative, and for a while 
entertained them with some pleasant reminiscences. At 
length, Northrup said in a jocular way, "Captain, you 
seem to me to be monarch of all you survey; your right 
there is none to dispute : from the forecastle unto the poop, 
you are lord of all who are about." 

"Not quite," answered Colburn in equally light vein; 
but after a moment, he added: "In all seriousness, there 
are many more restrictions on me than you dream of. 

"The captain of a ship is master of a fabric of great 
value which he must manage in the violence of the gale, 
and guide through the dangers that line a coast: this 
requires skill and judgment of a technical nature, as well as 
readiness of resource. In it all — the management of the 
ship herself in critical situations — he is left free, because 
no instructions can be given that will cover the variety of 
contingencies that arise. Therefore his faculties have their 
freest play, and by their very exercise he is every day 



360 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

making of himself a more capable seaman ; but contrast this 
freedom regarding the whole with his limitations regard- 
ing the parts: let me illustrate by an imaginary case — I 
cannot use the pump and hose that feed the boilers for 
any other than that specific purpose; if I should order the 
Engineer (when steam is up) to rig it for washing down 
decks, he would answer with all the importance of author- 
ity in his own domain, ' It is against the Company's Rules.' 

"And the Company's Rules are legion, and bind the 
strong man as the spool-thread of the Lilliputians bound 
Gulliver. They are the substitution of mechanical con- 
trol for the judgment of a reasoning mind: besides, they 
place within reach of those subject to orders, a weapon they 
may use against the man they should obey — the com- 
pany's rules are liable to breed insubordination! They 
should be the fewest possible; and even then, affect only 
the most important matters: more than that, they should 
be framed as general principles, and not descend to specific 
items. The man in command — in the midst of the interests 
to which the rules apply — is the best judge of the proper 
care of those interests ; and not the man at a distance, who 
cannot act as intelligently — according to varying circum- 
stances — as the one on the spot. 

" Whenever a subordinate can confront the captain with 
some rule or custom to limit his action in small affairs, he is 
in so far the captain's superior, and rightful authority is 
clipped to that extent; and in order that he may not fall 
into disfavor with the Company through frequent infrac- 
tion of its rules (which would speedily be reported to head- 
quarters by some malcontent), the tendency of the captain 
is to act according to rule in all things. The Rule — 
that insidious vampire that saps his manhood and reduces 



Captain Colburn Discourses 361 

his action to a spineless policy — merely to keep out of 
trouble. 

"The good that specific directions aim to attain, is 
lessened by the evils they are likely to create and foster — 
insubordination in those who should obey, timidity and 
stunted individuality in him who should command. The 
captain fettered by them lacks the bold enterprise to begin 
anything new: it is easier to follow the trodden path, full 
though it be of vicious ruts. It is not, at least, bristling 
with the sneering remarks that ever assail the innovator — 
it is simply the weak course that hazards no comfort, risks 
no reputation. No; the man who is free and responsible 
for the ship as a whole, should also be untrammelled as 
regards its parts. 

" One often hears of the old time sailor as a man of dash 
and daring; and indeed such he was — even in my early days 
of sea-going: his own judgment was his rule of action, and 
there was little else beside; and the constant exercise of 
this judgment made him a self-reliant, competent com- 
mander — full of power and strength. If at times he 
lapsed into brutality, it must be remembered that he had a 
cross grained fibre to deal with, and that it was often a 
question which should control — master or man: they 
fought — not literally, perhaps; but the struggle was none 
the less real. 

"Then the sailing ship and long passages out of tele- 
graphic control conduced to the individualism of the man 
in command: the conditions were somewhat feudal — 
respect from the inferior, care by the superior. But with 
steamers, short trips, and frequent intercourse with the 
disturbing elements of shore life, the conditions have 
changed to independence, discussion, criticism, main- 



362 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

tenance of rights, and a whole crop of other selfish prac- 
tises and ideas that are estranging officers and men from 
each other. 

"The preacher of sailors' rights is often the disturber of 
maritime harmony: an improvement in some things has 
been effected by the seaman's advocate; but also there has 
been a weakening of that great bond of human feeling 
which impelled the officer to care for the man, and the 
latter to render obedience and respect. Insistence on 
rights tends to giving only rights — no sympathy: whereas 
the warm blood that flowed with what was done for Jack 
evinced an interest in his welfare that made him regard the 
officer as his natural protector: it conduced to mutual for- 
bearance — the give-and-take of life which is a wholesome 
trait of the natural order — and not the exaction of the 
pound of flesh, as seems to be the controlling principle 
now between Capital and Labor. 

"The status of the citizen and that of the sailor are 
entirely distinct and different: on shore, you may transact 
business without reciprocal amity; but on board ship, good 
will on both sides is essential to efficiency and discipline; 
and while brutality on the one hand and treachery on the 
other have debased the relations of superior and subordi- 
nate (and the opportunities for both abound in ship life), 
still he must be a blind man who does not see that, aside 
from the spirit of common humanity which should actuate 
him, his interest — the success of his command, is involved 
in the way he treats his men. He is greatly dependent on 
them : much — I may say most of their work is done out of 
his sight, where they can do it ill or well — aid or thwart him ; 
and this fact (to put the motive on its lowest plane) should 
prompt any captain to deal considerately with his men. 



Captain Colburn Discourses 363 

" But to return to a final word about the government of 
life afloat: a ship is not a democracy, but essentially an 
absolute monarchy, controlled by a constitution — the 
special laws enacted by Congress; and the closer the cap- 
tain sails to those laws, the better it will be for both himself 
and his crew: but as for subsidiary rules covering his 
action otherwise, the fewer of these there are, and the more 
he is left to his own discretion in minor affairs, the happier 
will be the ship's company. In any critical situation, it is 
the captain's judgment that controls: then why not also in 
small matters ? With his action limited only by law and 
such general instructions as I have stated, those subject 
to him would be quick to study him and more willing and 
efficient in the performance of duty — they would be far 
better seamen and less acute sea-lawyers — pry less into the 
rules, to get points on the captain. The known source of 
power being a living reality in their midst — ever ready to 
act upon his own judgment, and not unnecessarily fettered, 
would have a wholesome influence on their point of view: 
they would see more of what was good in his management, 
and be less disposed to growl and furnish material for the 
sensational press : their grievances would shrivel to natural 
size, and not loom up as objects do in a fog — to massive 
proportions. Yes, it makes all the difference between 
normal healthy conduct, and unreasonable discontent, for 
the ship's company to know that the captain (when just 
in his dealings) is supreme in power and firmly upheld by 
those who should support him. 

" Life at sea is one of force — force of physique, force of 
mind, force of character: and of all three with the forces 
of nature — the tempest ; the lashing sea ; the blinding sleet, 
snow, or rain; the rigors of cold and extremes of heat; 



364 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

the plain food, often scanty and generally coarse: if ever 
the meaning of words were ground into one's life, it is at 
sea — there, hardship and deprivation need no dictionary to 
define them. 

"It is a rough and tumble life in every sense, and the 
man in command has much of the coarse, raw fibre of 
humanity to deal with — the hot temper, quick with the 
blow; the harsh manner; the profanity that gives point to 
speech and story. Control in such a community is best 
acquired by the growl of the bull-dog and the bulk of the 
mastiff — the show of teeth and impressiveness of physical 
size : both go a long way toward inspiring respect for their 
possessor; for they are often but the outward appearance 
of qualities that will be uppermost in any struggle. 

" On the other hand, the amiability of the collie coupled 
with the slender frame of the greyhound have no place in 
such a fight: soft ways detract from the prowess of the con- 
testants, just as ciphers placed after the decimal point 
reduce the value of the final integers. The lesser bull- 
dogs and mastiffs of the ship's company look with con- 
tempt on considerate ways and delicate limbs; and their 
possessor has a prejudice to overcome at the outset — later, 
he may control even with their handicap. 

"Boldness, dash — even rashness; strength, vigor, the 
ever ready word and act ; and all with clear-cut brevity and 
conciseness — these are the things required at sea; and he 
who has them in the highest degree (united to due technical 
knowledge) will hold the ascendency. The man who, in 
addition to these qualifications, can take his drink at times, 
crack a joke, spin a yarn, smoke a pipe, play billiards, and 
take a hand in other games more risky, and be a jolly good 
fellow in all convivial gatherings; who has fairly good 



Captain Colburn Discourses 365 

common sense and an even temper; who has coolness 
enough to stand any shock, mental or physical — such a 
man is the ideal type for the sea. 

"The quiet, retiring man has little place there; and yet 
it is not that the rough nature alone, devoid of kindly 
feeling, is the only one fit for sea life ; but that the amenities 
would be (as it were) accomplishments — the essential 
being a rugged manliness — the practical dealing with men 
and things, short and to the point. One suited to the sea 
is the very antithesis of the lean, nervous man, who (at the 
least rebuff) gathers himself together and avoids contact 
with his kind. No: the seaman must reach out boldly 
and hold firmly; if study he would (outside of technical 
matters), it should be chiefly the study of men — to know 
their humors, prejudices, tastes, and feelings; for upon the 
tactful manipulation of men depends the success of his 
command. 

"Over prudence in the sailor is worse than occasional 
mistakes resulting from hasty decision : the reasons for and 
against in any procedure should be canvassed at once as 
well as time will allow; and then definite action taken 
speedily. 

"From the foregoing you can readily infer that I am 
not as much monarch of all I survey as you jokingly 
intimated; and otherwise my position is not that of an 
Alexander Selkirk — beyond the pale of woes and plots. 
Men — and by such I mean chiefly those before the mast — 
go to sea from a variety of motives: Some are naturally 
wanderers and find the roving life congenial; these are 
restive under restraint and become troublesome. Others 
are criminals or outcasts who ship as a last resort ; they are 
few, but they form the vicious coterie that corrupts the 



366 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

whole ship's company. Still more have met with dis- 
appointment or failure, and try to sink both their sorrow 
and identity in the great high sea where no one knows 
them — whence they come, or whither they go. Many seek 
the sea in early life because of the romance attaching to it 
through song and story — it fascinates the youthful imagina- 
tion; these are enthusiasts — full of buoyancy — excellent 
material of which to make seamen, if the career itself had 
enough of adventure to meet their expectations, but it has 
not: the expectations are extravagant — the commonplace 
stands out in bold relief, and the attractions of which they 
read, are all but mythical — they are so few; discontent — 
dissatisfaction with their lot is the result, and instead of 
zealously fitting themselves for the career they have 
chosen, they drag through it, or rather, they have to be 
driven ; they do listless work — are shirks — and long for the 
day of release. 

" Now mix up all these incongruous elements in the small 
space of a ship, where their contact is the closest possible — 
where the food is coarse, the hardships many, the exposures 
to bad weather frequent, the pay small, the amusements 
few, and no remunerative goal in sight to which they may 
aspire as recompense for all this — that this, and only 
this, is what most of them can do forever and to the end ; 
and you have a view of the material and conditions with 
which the master of a ship has to deal. Even yet, the 
whole story is not told: besides containing many varieties 
of social grade and individual condition, the crew of an 
American ship is made up of many nationalities, with of 
course their inherent prejudices, antipathies, and ani- 
mosities; and these, too, have to be reckoned with. Fur- 
thermore, the conditions at sea have few of the ties of 



Captain Colburn Discourses 367 

family or association that are so widespread on shore and 
which exert so potent an influence in taming the wild 
tendencies in man. 

" I once read a very striking illustration of this — that the 
general advance of human progress was by forward im- 
pulses and backward recessions like the incoming tide: 
Each successive wave rushes forward, breaks, and rolls 
back; but the great flood is steadily coming in. A person 
who looked on only for a moment, might fancy that the 
waves were retiring. A person who looked on only for five 
minutes might fancy that they were rushing capriciously 
to and fro. But when he keeps his eye on them for a quar- 
ter of an hour, and sees one sea-mark disappear after 
another, it is impossible for him to doubt the general 
direction in which the ocean is moving. So, the family, 
the club, the social reunion of every kind — all the gather- 
ings and network of association on shore — are so many 
impulses toward cultivating the amenities of life — the 
forward flow of the rising tide — the improving of character 
and restraining of evil: while at sea, the absence of such 
ties — worse, the roving life, the reckless habits, the want 
of care for the morrow, the freedom from any claim upon 
either solicitude or labor, the vicious dens that attract in 
every port — all these constitute so many recessions toward 
unbridled license, which only the iron rule of force — 
Discipline — keeps from ebbing to the lowest stage of 
human conduct. 

" The masses of Europe are literally subjects — ever under 
a kind of discipline : serfdom and feudalism laid the founda- 
tion of this subjugation, and it is continued at the present 
time by the militarism which forces into standing armies 
such large numbers of men — training them to constant 



368 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

obedience, to look up forever to a superior, and to regard 
their own will and judgment as faculties never to be 
exercised. 

"Then in civil life, the titled nobility inspires awe and 
respect among the common people; so that from these 
influences the man born and bred in Europe entertains 
very different ideas and feelings toward station and author- 
ity from what the American does. The latter feels all 
that the Constitution declares about men being born free 
and equal, and acts accordingly. He may respect the 
office, but has less regard for its occupant — he even stig- 
matizes him as a public servant, to show his own import- 
ance, the power of the citizen : but this is only a sop to his 
pride; for we well know how the public servant rides his 
master when once he gets into office. 

"The European, on the contrary, seldom considers the 
office, while his conduct toward the official trends on sub- 
serviency. Of these two — the American and the Euro- 
pean — it is evident that the latter is more amenable to the 
restraints of sea life. 

"The American hates to receive an order — it grates on 
him — it is a curb to his freedom — a collar that galls his 
neck, as in the fable of the wolf and the dog: the wolf, all 
skin and bone, had strayed from his forest wilds, and met a 
mastiff sleek and fat. He would like to attack the well- 
fed animal, but shrewdly calculated the chances of success, 
and instead approached the dog with a compliment on his 
fine appearance. 

" 'You could be the same, if you chose; only quit the 
forest where you live in wretchedness, and many of your 
pack die of hunger.' 

" 'What must I do,' asked the wolf. 



Captain Colburn Discourses 369 

" 'A mere nothing — chase away the beggars and fawn 
upon your master: and in return you will get many a 
toothsome bone of fowl and bird, besides much fondling.' 

" The wolf was greatly moved by the prospect — his teeth 
watered for the bone, and his eyes were tearful at the 
thought of a caress — he had never known kindness. They 
trotted along amicably until the wolf noticed a bare spot 
on the mastiff's neck, when he queried — ' What is that ?' 
' O nothing — only the hair chafed by the collar, when I'm 
tied up at night.' ' Tied up! tied up!!' exclaimed the wolf, 
coming to a sudden stop, and looking at his companion in 
amazement. ' Can't you run about, then, when you want 
to ?' ' Not exactly: but what of that — 'tis a small matter!' 
' It is such a matter to me,' replied the wolf, ' that your ease 
and good fare shall never be mine at the price of my 
liberty — good-bye'; and away he bounded, back to the 
hunger, cold, and strife of the forest: better starve free 
than live a fat slave! And such, you must concede, is 
the sentiment of the American. 

" To be of any use either in the merchant marine or the 
navy, the native born boy must be taken early in hand and 
carefully weaned from the distorted, morbid ideas of 
independence he may possess or be inclined to: in man- 
hood, these become less manageable, especially when 
strengthened as they often are by notions instilled by trades- 
unions. 

"The quarter-deck of a ship is necessarily a place of 
caste; and the American boy who has grown up in wild 
independence — independent of parents, of teachers, and 
of the deference due old age — as good as any one! — finds 
the respect and subordination exacted on a ship, intoler- 
able : this is one reason why so few natives are found on an 



370 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

American vessel. Another is, there is no money in it: 
scarcely an occupation on shore but pays better than going 
to sea. A third reason is, there is no glittering goal to 
strive for; and the American is ambitious — ever on the 
look-out for improving his condition. There is but one 
captain on a ship, and few ships to be captains of: the way 
to the top is tedious and toilsome — a hard climb — and the 
chances of winning the prize are so few that it does not 
warrant risking one's happiness and energies in the effort. 
Finally, the American does not like hard work; in the slang 
of the day, he will boss a job well, but labor with his own 
hands — never, while he can get the imported foreigner 
to do it. 

" With all this in mind, need we wonder that when Jack 
gets ashore, he runs wild and commits those extravagances 
that astonish people who never gave his condition a 
thought ? It would be strange if he did not kick over the 
traces — it is but the natural rebound of the human elastic, 
pressed down until it groans. The sailor at sea ' is like a 
stout ship that will weather the roughest storm uninjured, 
but will roll her masts overboard in the succeeding calm' 
of shore allurements; and then comes the punishment: 
moral suasion is of little avail — the reformatory measure 
does not generally work with such natures : as a celebrated 
divine once said, 'Don't whip with a switch that has the 
leaves on if you want to tingle'; and while the material 
switch is no longer used at sea, still its legal substitute 
should be such as to make these malefactors feel it keenly. 

" And it is the same pent up condition of feelings, while 
on board, that finds vent in breaches of discipline." 

"Captain," said Northrup, "your analysis of sea life 
is indeed instructive; but what surprises me (and, I 



Captain Colburn Discourses 371 

presume, the others, also) is that your picture of the suc- 
cessful sea captain does not in the least resemble yourself 
and yet we have often remarked, one to another, how well 
you have managed everything in a quiet way: you haven't 
the jolly swagger of the bluff old sea dog we are told about 
in romance; and yet you seem to have, none the less, a firm 
grasp and intelligent control of all on board." 

"O, I didn't mean," answered the Captain, "that only 
the possessors of such qualities as I named, were capable 
and successful commanders: my picture was of a type 
whose qualities would most probably succeed; but not an 
individual could be found possessed of them all." 

" Did you go to sea very early in life ?" 

"No, not so very early — I was over twenty: I am now 
past fifty. I was educated at a small college in one of our 
little home towns: when I left it, I thought to improve a 
rather slender physique by a sea voyage before starting 
out to earn my living. 

"I shipped before the mast. The captain was a kind 
hearted man, just and generous, and honest to the core. 
The voyage was a long one — we stopped at many foreign 
ports — the new scenes fascinated me — I was full of youth- 
ful enthusiasm — we were a happy crew, and I thought all 
sea going would be like that. I came back much improved, 
and with a strong affection for the captain: he urged me 
to go again, and advanced me as much as I deserved: 
so I went, until the Civil War shunted me off for four years 
into the Navy. The rest you know." 



CHAPTER XXI 

Some Natural Phenomena: Arrival at Trinidad 

As the ship approached the region of equatorial calms, 
the Captain gave orders to the Engineer to be prepared 
with the engine, as he should use steam in case the wind 
fell light. Ruggles told Hawse of the preparatory order, 
and both decided to balk the Captain in his intent; they 
were now eager to put every obstacle in his way, as (on 
nearing home) it would count more against him. There- 
fore, they agreed that when steam was ordered, to get it up; 
but after the propeller had been coupled, a sudden break 
should occur in some part of the machinery: the ship 
would then wallow for days in the irregular sea of the calm 
belt — it would exasperate Colburn — and they would 
chuckle at his discomfiture and worry. 

But the good weather and steady breezes continued, and 
the ship kept on under all sail. The Rocks of St. Paul 
(near the equator) came in sight, and as the day was 
especially fine, Northrup remarked to the Captain upon 
the delightful run they were making from Montevideo. 

"Yes," said Colburn; " but it is always so here. I have 
made many passages through this region, and have always 
found the conditions similar: gentle to moderate breezes 
from some point between East and South; a sea that has 
little more than ripples; the sky clear, with only those 
fleecy clouds that denote good weather; a genial tempera- 
ture which becomes merely fresh when the sun goes down ; 

372 



Some Natural Phenomena 373 

and a velvety feeling of the air that is very soothing — 
altogether, the most peaceful conditions I have ever 
experienced. No violent winds — no drenching rain — no 
crashing thunder — no blinding lightning, but a smooth 
passing of one day into another without any great dis- 
turbance. As you see, the sails are set once for all, and the 
ship glides steadily on with little more than a pull now and 
then on a brace. This is the home of ideal weather, and 
its equability is well shown in the small ranges of tempera- 
ture and pressure of the air. 

"Within the tropics, the oscillation of the barometer 
is one of the most remarkable phenomena in nature. 
Except during a hurricane (when the mercury falls until 
it indicates a scooping out of the air like the cavity of a 
crater), the movement has almost the regularity of a 
pendulum. On one passage from Montevideo to New 
York, I had very careful observations made every hour, 
day and night, of the barometer, temperature, humidity, 
wind, and weather. Upon examining these, the regular 
maxima and minima of the barometer began to appear 
about latitude 28° south, and continued without a break 
until reaching the corresponding parallel of north latitude. 
We were forty days traversing this belt, on account of 
the route we had to take and the slow sailing qualities 
of the vessel. Every morning, about four o'clock, the 
barometer stood at its lowest; then it slowly rose until 
about ten o'clock, when it was highest; again it fell until 
about four in the afternoon, when another low point was 
reached; and finally rose until ten at night, when it stood 
still, and again receded. Alternate rise and fall — twice 
in every twenty-four hours, day after day, and every day, 
by almost the same amount, and at nearly the same hours! 



374 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

"But a remarkable phase of this regularity remains to 
be told. While we had just such weather as you have 
remarked upon, south of the Line, the day after we crossed 
into north latitude (which, by the way, was in this vicinity) 
the wind veered at once into the northeast quarter and 
freshened — no calms intervened — and from that onward to 
the twenty-eighth parallel, we had a succession of very 
variable winds and weather; but the regularity of the 
barometric oscillations was in no wise affected. That is 
to say, throughout a zone over three thousand miles wide, 
extending on both sides of the equator, and during a period 
of forty days, the recurrent ebb and flow of the atmosphere 
was the same, whether the wind blew light or strong, 
steady or gusty; whether rain fell or the air was dry; 
whether heavy clouds gathered in the violence of a squall 
or the sky was serene and clear. 

"On this account, in stormy tropical regions, slight 
variations from this regularity must be closely watched: 
any small contrary movement may be the first indication 
of a hurricane." 

The other passengers had gathered near soon after 
Colburn began speaking, and the Doctor said, 

" By the way, Captain, you owe us a little discourse on 
these very storms — you remember it was put off until we 
should reach the place where they arise, and we must be 
near that now." 

"Well," said Colburn, "their salient features can be 
described in a few words; but to manage a ship in one of 
them requires close study of their indications, laws, 
location, and movements. 

" Rotary storms have received different names in various 
parts of the world — hurricanes in the West Indies, typhoons 



Jffg 1 ° TjSAOJt of UUJBJS.KZAJST&3 



westerly ~wiirr>s 




i5°S 



-WZSTERLT 'WINDS 

z 



jLZ ' TlZACJi^of ' Hujpjsicaj^SS in ~botfr, 
HEMISPHERES ' 

1"Z°3 " SUCCESSIVE It&TTICtiH&qf In-cz JTUiejSICAnE- 



Tracks of Hurricanes 



Some Natural Phenomena 375 

in Japan, cyclones in China, and tornadoes on our own 
western plains: but all have the same characteristic — a 
cylindrical body of air turning round a central calm — the 
bore of the cylinder, as it were. You probably have often 
seen something like them in miniature — a whirling mass 
of dust in the street (arising from eddy winds) that whisks 
past you until spent. Or you may have another illustra- 
tion: fill a wash basin with water, take out the stopper, 
and give the water a rotary movement with the hand; as 
it runs out, it will take a spiral course — almost circular 
near the sides of the basin, but sharply bent near the hole 
in the bottom, where the liquid becomes funnel shaped. 
Now conceive this turned upside down, and you have a 
symbol of the hurricane — winds blowing spirally toward a 
centre, there to rise through a tube of calms and flow 
out at the top. 

" At the same time that these winds are blowing violently 
inward, the whole body of air composing them is moving 
onward over a well defined path, just as our little dust- 
whirl in the street does. As to the origin of the storm, we 
may easily suppose two opposing currents of air of different 
degrees of temperature and moisture meeting in the vicinity 
of the equator : they give rise to a whirl about an axis — the 
embryo tornado. More air is involved — it brings varying 
quantities of vapor — condensation results — rain falls in 
torrents — great heat is liberated — it gives violent up-rush 
to the air in the calm tube — thunder and lightning ensue — 
thick gloom overspreads the whole — and the meteor grows 
and the commotion is intensified until finally the hurricane 
is launched on its destructive career. 

" These storms arise near the equator, on each side of it 
where the heat and vapor are excessive — in unsteady 



376 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

balance — and the mine of disturbance is ever ready to be 
sprung. Their course — roughly speaking — is a parabola: 
the first branch of the curve runs westerly in the Trades 
with a trend toward the pole in each hemisphere, so that 
the apex of their path is somewhere near the limit of the 
Trade-winds in about latitude thirty degrees; the second 
branch turns eastward and toward the pole through the 
region of westerly winds: this track clearly indicates that 
the two great systems — the Trades and the Westerly 
winds — determine the path of the column of gyrating air." 

Here, the Captain took a piece of chalk and sketched on 
a board the accompanying Figs. 1 and 2 to illus- 
trate the tracks of revolving storms in both hemispheres, 
and the rotation of the wind in them. Then he continued : 

" The column of revolving air extends to a great height, 
as is shown by the turbulent motion of the upper clouds; 
in diameter, it may be only fifty miles, and then its intens- 
ity is greatest; or it may be a thousand miles, and then the 
intensity is less : its rate of speed along the parabola varies 
from three to forty miles an hour according to the particular 
storm and the part of the track it is in : the velocity of the 
winds blowing toward the calm center generally reaches 
a hundred miles an hour. 

" The path of the storm and the direction of the wind in 
the storm must not be confounded — they have no neces- 
sary connection: the former is the route over which the 
mass of air involved in the whirl is moving as a whole; 
while the latter is simply the point from which each 
individual wind composing the whirl, blows. 

" If you look at the daily weather map when a storm is 
raging over any part of the United States, you will see the 
wind blowing in circuits round a deep Low — toward it, 



Some Natural Phenomena 377 

but seldom straight to it; rather, it blows in spirals, and 
always opposite to the motion of the hands of a clock. 
And this is the order of rotation of hurricane winds north 
of the equator: south of it, the rotation is like that of the 
hands of a clock — from left to right. This order of rota- 
tion in each hemisphere is due to the fact that the earth on 
the equatorial side of the storm has greater velocity than 
on the polar side: this velocity in each case is imparted to 
the air above the earth's surface, and the initial impulse 
thus given, being greater on the equatorial than on the polar 
side, establishes the rotation, which is kept up until the 
storm blows itself out in temperate zones. 

" As the earth revolves from west to east, if we represent 
the different velocities it imparts to the two sides of the 
embryo storm by the arrows M and N (Fig. 1), it will 
readily be seen how the rotation experienced is the natural 
result. 

" If, then, in a hurricane north of the Line, the master 
of a ship finds the wind from any point between northeast 
and southwest by the way of south, he is to the right of the 
storm's path (looking in the direction it is travelling): 
this is the dangerous semicircle, because all the winds blow 
him in front of its course: he should therefore lie-to on the 
starboard tack, because the shifts of wind will be aft and 
help him work away from the center. If, on the other 
hand, he has the wind anywhere between northeast and 
southwest by the way of north, he is to the left of the storm's 
track — in the navigable semicircle, and can run out of it 
(if there be sea room) by keeping the wind on the star- 
board quarter. 

"The rotary storm does not swoop down on a ship un- 
awares; but like the rattlesnake, gives ample warning of its 



378 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

proximity: the day is sultry, close, and oppressive; the 
atmosphere unusually clear, so that things appear distinct 
and well defined; the winds are light and whiffle about, 
giving a twirling motion to small objects; the sea is con- 
fused. A boding cloud appears in the horizon: it rises 
and others join it; they struggle for precedence, and are 
jagged, as if torn by the wind ; their upper edges are copper- 
colored — even reddish, and impart a fiery tinge to the whole 
sky; as they mount, a whitish, misty aureole crowns them — 
the ox-eye — and this is a sure sign of the hurricane beneath. 
The colors of the clouds change to yellow, olive-green, and 
crimson — the wind moans low and gusty in violent puffs — 
the barometer falls rapidly — and the whole prospect is 
terrifying. Man is awe-struck and bereft of decisive 
action: the elements are wild, and if he awaits their on- 
slaught unprepared, he will meet with injury, and perhaps 
disaster. No sail will stand, and even tarpaulins in the 
rigging blow away; boats are smashed; hatches when 
battened down, are torn up; yards and masts snap and go 
by the board ; the ship broaches-to, and lies helpless on her 
beam ends until hard work and skill right her; the sea rises 
to great height and drives in solid green sheets over the rail, 
burying the ship; the wind roars with terrific fury; rain 
falls in torrents ; and thunder, lightning, and gloom mingle 
in one chaotic medley: the mercury, meanwhile, is omi- 
nously falling. 

"After some hours of this battering, there is a sudden 
lull — then quiet: the ship is in the central calm, rolling 
and pitching among billowy masses that the wind has 
lashed into cross confusion. This calm continues an 
hour or so; then the wind rises as suddenly as it fell, and 
with equal violence, but from the point diametrically 



Some Natural Phenomena 379 

opposite the one at which it ceased. The center has passed 
over the ship and she is again undergoing in the second 
half of the storm all the lashing of wind and wave she 
experienced in the first half. Finally, the barometer rises — 
the wind gradually subsides — and the proverbial sunshine 
succeeds the storm. 

"And the ship? She has suffered great damage, and 
the officers and men are worn out with hard work and loss 
of food and sleep : they have gone through it all soaked to 
the skin, and their flesh tingling from the pelting rain. 

"If the wind blew in exact circles round the central 
calm, the bearing of the center could easily be determined; 
for by facing the wind, the center lies eight points to the 
right of its direction in the northern hemisphere, or eight 
points to the left in the southern: but the wind blows in 
spirals, and even this only in a general way, for the curva- 
ture is not uniform ; in one part, it is all but a straight line, 
while in another part it is sharply bent : therefore, the real 
direction of the center may differ several points from the 
estimated one, and it behooves the shipmaster to exercise 
intelligence and close observation to infer the bearing 
aright. 

" The winds of a multitude of storms have been plotted 
from a number of ships that were in each, thus giving 
simultaneous view of their extent and nature; and the 
general type is what I have drawn here (Fig. 2). You see 
the hurricane is made up of incurving spirals of irregular 
shape, and therein consists the uncertainty of determining 
the bearing of the center; and from that, of deciding how 
to manoeuvre. 

" If the wind has full hurricane force and the shifts are 
rapid from point to point while the barometer falls abnor- 



380 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

mally, the ship is undoubtedly near the center: if, on the 
contrary, the wind blows for some time from the same point 
and veers slowly — being, furthermore, only of the force of a 
strong gale, the ship is in all probability well off from the 
center. 

"Works abound which give information regarding 
these storms : some have rules for managing a ship in every 
contingency — rules as specific as those for arithmetical 
computations; but such rules are not only useless, but 
vicious — luring to disaster. There are so many varying 
circumstances — the size of the storm, its rate of progress, 
part of the track it is traversing, sea room, region in which 
it is met — all imparting to each hurricane features so dis- 
tinctive, that to apply rigid rules, is as practicable as to fit 
the garments made for one person to every individual of a 
group. Better by far, that the seaman have in mind a 
clear and distinct picture of the general features of the 
storm derived from close study of the best attainable books, 
and then use this in connection with his own common 
sense. 

"The Kansas tornado is but the ocean hurricane in 
miniature: you know its effects well. 

" Though not so violent, we have its counterpart at sea — 
the waterspout: you remember meeting one in the Pacific. 
They are formed in the upper strata of the atmosphere — a 
whirl of air and vapor, like an inverted cone. This 
gradually extends downward until it approaches the sea, 
when the water is sucked up, twisted into another cone, and 
both join and proceed onward like a swaying pillar of 
whirling smoke. They are only a few feet in diameter, 
and last but a short time : the principal danger from them 
is the carrying away of spars and sails, and the great mass 



M<g & ° Jhowdstg kShutsj^ TdnvD in <§ Hurricane. 




£QTZA?OJ& 










Shifts of Wind in a Hurricane 



Some Natural Phenomena 381 

of water that falls when they break; they have enormous 
wrenching power. 

" Often, in hurricanes the Corpo Santo is seen at mast- 
heads; this is purely electrical; when heavily charged 
thunder clouds are passing over, they induce an electric 
condition opposite to their own in salient objects; from 
these a slow discharge takes place with a bluish light and 
faint crackling sound; such manifestations are known as 
Corpo Santo and St. Elmo's Fire, and are seen on mast- 
heads and yard-arms, and even on the hair and tips of the 
fingers. Their form, noise, and light are identical with the 
brush discharge from the spherical conductor of an elec- 
trical machine; and the phenomenon is due to a multitude 
of little sparks arising between the particles of air. 

"But it is in severe storms of thunder and lightning 
that the best display of St. Elmo's Fire is seen: then it 
appears in a hundred globular masses, each a few inches in 
diameter, all over the prominent parts of the ship and 
rigging — depicting her in luminous outline — a brilliant, 
but weird spectacle. 

"Not unfrequently, ships are struck by lightning, and 
then yards and masts are shattered, sails torn, and men 
stunned. But the bolt also causes a radical change in the 
magnetic character of the ship — her deviation table be- 
comes useless, and she must immediately swing ship, if 
the Captain would not invite disaster. 

"Even the compasses have been known to have their 
magnetism reversed, where it was not wholly destroyed; 
so that here too an immediate examination must be made. 
A case is on record where a Captain found his ship heading 
east by standard compass when the position of the sun 
clearly showed he should be steering west: a blinding 



382 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

electric storm had just passed over and wrecked every 
compass, save one — a small boat instrument which had 
been wrapped in rubber cloth (a non-conductor) and 
placed in the life-boat as required by law, rather than 
through any thought that it would ever be of service; but 
in this extremity it proved to be his only guide to port. 

"There! I think you have now heard as much about 
the terrors of the deep as you want to, and I hope you 
will be spared their reality in this region." 

The day after the Wenonah passed the Rocks of St. 
Paul, the Captain expected to enter the Doldrums — that 
steamy, stifling belt of calms which wears the seaman out 
with days and days of gasping for any breath of air that 
will fill either sail or lung; but he was not going to tarry 
there — he would have steam ready when the wind fell light: 
the wind, however, held on strong and steady while grad- 
ually veering to the east, and eventually it jumped into the 
northeast quarter; and he had the rare good fortune to find 
one Trade merge into the other. He shaped a course for 
Trinidad, entirely unconscious of the trap the conspirators 
had intended to spring on him in the calm belt. Nature 
had foiled them for the nonce, but what occurred was most 
unusual — they would bide their time and keep a bright 
lookout for any opportunity to delay the ship. She kept 
on, however, with the fairest of winds and smoothest of 
seas — ideal ocean sailing. 

In due time, the loom of Trinidad rose on the horizon: 
the ship drew on apace — night fell — and toward morning 
the Wenonah closed in with the land, from which fragrant 
odors of shrub and flower came to delight the senses and 
extend a pleasing welcome to port. 

The Island of Trinidad was discovered by Columbus, 



Some Natural Phenomena 383 

who gave it the name it bears in fulfillment of a vow to 
name the first land he should see on that voyage, in honor 
of the Holy Trinity ; and it is singular that the land he did 
see, had three peaks rising from one mountain. The 
Island is a towering mass forming the northern boundary 
of the Gulf of Paria — a large arm of the sea indenting the 
coast of Venezuela. The Gulf has two openings — the 
Boca del Sierpe on the southern side, and the Boca del 
Dragon on the northern : Columbus entered by the former 
— explored the shores of the inland sheet of water, and 
left it by the Boca del Dragon; and he records with vivid- 
ness the apprehension he felt — without chart, pilot or 
guide of any kind — on going through this passage full of 
rocks and a foaming sea. But in truth, its dangers were 
more apparent than real; and Columbus himself judged 
aright when he attributed the turbulence of the water to a 
tide from the sea struggling with an outrush from the Gulf 
— the accumulation of many rivers poured into it. 

The morning broke bright and beautiful. The Weno- 
nah was coasting along the northern shore of the Island, 
which was close aboard, fresh, green, and diversified — 
hill and valley covered with luxuriance of shrub and tree. 
The land rose sheer from the sea in many places and the 
foliage that clothed it was brilliant as if sparkling with the 
copious dew of night. 

The principal town of Trinidad is Port of Spain, on the 
inside, or gulf shore, of the Island; and for this port the 
Wenonah was bound, through the Boca del Dragon. 

The Engineer felt sure that steam would be required to 
reach an anchorage after entering the passage; but the ship 
sped rapidly on under all sail, and yet no word came from 
the Captain. Since no calm belt was encountered, 



384 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

Ruggles intended to have the engine break down just inside 
the Boca: this would put Colburn to the delay and annoy- 
ance of beating up against the Trade wind to an anchorage 
— generally a tedious procedure. 

The ship reached the passage: the wind still held, and 
even freshened as it drew into the Dragon's Mouth: the 
yards were gradually braced in as she rounded the western 
island, and then braced up until they were sharp on the 
port tack, and she headed for the anchorage. This was 
not reached on the first tack, but it was after two — much 
to the chagrin of the Engineer, who was thus balked a 
second time in his evil design. 

In the Boca del Dragon are some small islands called the 
dragon's teeth; and the passages between some of these 
are navigable — others not : the important thing for a sailing 
ship is not to pass the proper channel, for then she would 
have to beat back against a head wind. Steamers coming 
from the eastward can enter one of the passages between 
the teeth, but sailing ships should stand on for the wide 
channel west of the last island. 

Port of Spain is built on a beautiful tract of level ground 
elevated a few feet above the sea and enclosed by high hills. 
The city is clean and presents an attractive appearance. 
Tropical trees and foliage abound and afford grateful 
shade from the hot sun, as well as sweet odors to the smell, 
and restful colors to the eye. Electric cars run in the 
streets, and magnificent roads lead from the town : walking 
or horseback riding is a delight in the freshness of early 
morning or the cool of evening. There are several hotels 
in the town, and one in the suburbs — fronting on a grand 
expanse of lawn, midst the sweetness of flowers and the 
shade of trees, where every comfort and luxury may be had 



Some Natural Phenomena 385 

Fine churches of several denominations are in various 
parts of the town. A feature which attracts the notice of 
every visitor, is a flock of vultures in the streets : they pick 
up all eatable refuse and dispose of it without charge to 
the tax payers; and would that the scavengers of New York 
were as efficient and inexpensive ! 

There are two small areas of greatest heat in the world — 
one in eastern Africa, the other on the Caribbean coast of 
South America; and Trinidad lies within the latter: Port of 
Spain has the additional sultriness of being on the lee side 
of some hills, which screen it from the Trade winds. 
There is much close weather and all breezes are generally 
light. Although the town is hot, yet it is healthy — free 
from those epidemics that ravage other tropical places: it 
is within both the hurricane belt and the volcanic zone, 
but neither violent storm nor destructive eruption visits it. 

While the day is oppressive, the night is worthy of every 
encomium: as in all tropical climes, night comes on with 
all its brilliant contrasts close upon the set of sun : no shad- 
ing — no pale, sickly twilight, long drawn out like the pallor 
of the victim marked by death; but with scintillating flash 
and full intensity, every star bursts forth in its setting of 
deep blue. Add to this the phosphoresence of the water — 
sparkling brilliants clinging to the oar and eddying in the 
wake of the boat wherever she goes, and one has a charm of 
sea and sky at night that cannot be surpassed. Scientists 
tell us that "Phosphorescence is produced by myriads of 
animalcules, which have the property of emitting light 
from their bodies, like fire-flies. A hundred of them have 
been found in a single drop of sea-water." If this be true 
of sea-water in general, the Gulf of Paria must have a 
thousand animalcules to every drop — it is so luminous! 



386 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

The Gulf is everywhere shallow, from the quantity of mud 
washed into it by the various branches of the Orinoco: 
vessels of great draught, therefore, have to anchor a long 
distance from the wharf — two miles or more. Consider- 
able shipping is always in port, and frequent communica- 
tion is maintained by steamers of several nationalities with 
the United States, South America and Europe. 

A great pitch lake exists on the southern shore of the 
Gulf, and from it much of the asphaltum used for pave- 
ment in our cities is brought. 

Sugar is largely an article of export; but the most im- 
portant product is the seed used in making chocolate, 
whether beverage or bon-bon: one-tenth of the whole 
quantity consumed in the world comes from Trinidad; 
and the amount of it exported from the island reaches an 
immense volume. Cacao is the name of both the tree and 
the fruit: the average height of the tree is twenty feet, 
and it is covered with lustrous, dark, green leaves ; it grows 
wild, and is also cultivated. When the Spaniards con- 
quered Mexico, they found a drink among the natives 
inade from this cacao, which they called chocollatl in the 
native tongue — whence our name for the same beverage. 
Each tree bears about ten of the fruit at a time, and the 
fruit is of the size and shape of a large cucumber, though 
more swollen in the middle : each fruit contains about sixty 
seeds imbedded in a spongy substance like that of a water- 
melon. When ripe, these seeds are taken out, cleaned, 
and dried in the sun: they are then gently roasted (like 
coffee) in a cylinder, which develops their peculiar choco- 
late odor. This is the cacao bean of commerce : it is brittle, 
aromatic, slightly astringent, and brown throughout its 
substance. Subsequent treatment is the secret of the 



Some Natural Phenomena 387 

manufacturer, who prepares it as chocolate; and it is highly- 
nutritious whether as food in the cake, or as liquid to drink 
— provided it be not adulterated with deleterious matter, 
as is often the case: even red ochre has been mixed with it 
and one could heartily wish that the man who could thus 
defraud the stomach, might be condemned for eternity to 
exist on a diet of the red earth alone ! 

The population of Port of Spain is a medley of many 
races: England owns the Island; but there are Spaniards, 
Frenchmen, and Venezuelans, many negroes, a remnant 
of the aborigines, and a large number of those other 
Indians from far Hindoostan who come as coolies. Of 
course the British are dominant in the administration of 
affairs, but not exclusively so — the man of varied hue is 
seen in many grades of official life. 

To the westward of Trinidad, and not far away, is the 
chief port of Venezuela — La Guaira, of which a witty 
American wrote an amusing paraphrase of Byron's adieu to 
Malta ; the first stanza is as follows : 

" Adios to thee La Guaira, city of the dark eyed gente, 

' Tierra of mucho calor y dolce farniente, 
' Home of the wailing donkey and of the all abiding flea, 

'Mariana, gracias a Dios, I bid adieu to thee." 

And the rest were better left in its resting place. 

The Wenonah came to Port of Spain to fill some remain- 
ing space with sugar and cacao beans; and having accom- 
plished this, she got underway and stood out through the 
Dragon's Mouth under all sail, greatly to the disappoint- 
ment of Sam Ruggles, Engineer, who thus saw his occupa- 
tion dwarfed by the frequent use of canvas in places where 



388 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

steam is generally employed by vessels possessing both 
kinds of motive power. 

The passengers and crew were very sorry to leave this 
pleasant place: the former had passed their time delight- 
fully at the hotel in the suburbs, and the Captain managed 
to give every man on board a few hours' run in the town. 
It was therefore with happy memories that all saw Port of 
Spain fade from view as the ship headed for the Boca, 
close hauled on the starboard tack. 



CHAPTER XXII 

Treachery 

If thou didst but consent 
To this most cruel act, do but despair, 
And if thou want'st a cord, the smallest thread 
That ever spider twisted from her womb 
Will serve to strangle thee; a rush will be 
A beam to hang thee on; or, would 'st thou drown thyself, 
Put but a little water in a spoon, 
And it shall be as all the ocean, 
Enough to stifle such a villain up. 

— Shakespeare. 

Upon leaving the Gulf of Paria, the Wenonah headed 
for the Island of Grenada, the Captain's intention being to 
cross the Caribbean Sea east of Aves Island, and re-enter 
the Atlantic in the vicinity of the Virgin group. To do 
this, he should have to keep close to the wind, to allow for 
leeway and current; for both wind and tide set westerly 
(often capriciously) through the various passages between 
the islands forming a fringe to the Caribbean Sea and 
separating it from the Atlantic Ocean : and the passage was 
made in this way — three of the most delightful days ever 
spent at sea. The breeze was steady, the sky clear, and 
the sparkling blue water as smooth as a lake : the ship sped 
onward with all the ease and grace of a skater on ice. 
The course brought the various islands of the windward 

389 



390 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

group successively into sight, so that their diversified sur- 
face, verdant with tree and shrub, or yellow with the ripen- 
ing sugar cane — hills, valleys, plains, towns, and plantations 
— all could easily be seen. The nights were brilliant — 
equally charming with the day, and the passengers were 
loth to give them up to sleep or rest: they sat for hours on 
the poop with scarcely a word about anything but the de- 
lights of the immediate present — it was one running com- 
mentary on the happiness they felt. 

But the Captain did not share this equanimity; abnor- 
mally good conditions sometimes precede a dire calamity — 
the patient often rallies just before collapse, and the quiet 
sultry atmosphere warns us of the coming storm : so while 
this placid Caribbean sailing might well be a weather 
breeder, still it was not this that worried Colburn — his 
anxiety was for conditions internal, whose signs were as 
alarming as the symptoms of a malignant disease. 

On nearing her destination, life on board ship relaxes: 
it is the end of the voyage — the completion of the cruise; 
discipline and routine are hard to maintain — the men feel 
that the end is now so near that bad conduct will be lightly 
dealt with; at the worst, there is not much time to suffer 
punishment, and a little kicking out of the traces is grate- 
ful to the man long under restraint. Hence it is that those 
not imbued with self respect or a sense of duty (and there 
are many who are not, even among officers), give rein to 
their ill will toward constituted authority by an impertinent 
independence of speech and manner they would not at- 
tempt in the early days of the cruise. This well known 
trait was intensified on the Wenonah by the disloyalty of 
Jacob Hawse and his boon companion — Sam Ruggles. 

The power of gifts and blandishments to gain men's 



Treachery 391 

sympathies is of remote antiquity: the particular phase it 
took on the Wenonah has already been told — how Jacob 
Hawse laid in a supply of fiery liquor at Punta Arenas, and 
doled it out at times when a sailor would give body and 
soul for a drink: in return he won many, so that by the 
time the ship sailed from Trinidad, most of the crew were 
on amicable terms with him. And why shouldn't they 
be ? Hadn't he made their blood tingle when wet to the 
skin, or sent it flowing through their veins when weary of 
the squalid mess that formed their food from day to day! 
He was a whole-souled man — full of human feeling — 
who knew the sailor, and why shouldn't they like him? 
So the dupes swallowed the lethal dose, got their percep- 
tions more blunted, and became more entangled in his net. 
To further his scheme, Hawse ran a parallel course — 
he decried the Captain and his management of the ship 
on every occasion; not openly, but by insinuation — a sly, 
steady sowing of discontent. He revived his practices 
of the early part of the voyage — Northrup's lecture on 
treachery and slander was now forgotten and the exposi- 
tion therein made of the First Mate's methods had passed 
from the men's minds, so he could reopen old sores and 
create new ones: "The food was not what it should be; 
the Captain had no right to impose on them a livery as 
on a coachman, and make them go to the expense of 
clothes that only made them conspicuous for land sharks; 
then this nagging about personal cleanliness and things 
being ship-shape on board — were they children that they 
must be inspected to see if they washed themselves, or 
put on a clean shirt, or had their hair cut? It was no 
longer the free life of the sailor! Then there was that 
stabbing affair — no man's life was safe on board if a Dago 



392 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

could rip out a stiletto and plunge it into a man's heart 
without being punished. ..." And so on, and much 
more of the same kind, all cunningly distilled into their ears. 
When the First Mate gave an order every one jumped: 
when it became known that he wanted certain things done, 
and certain other things given the go-by, their action was 
all zeal in the one case, and studied slight in the other. 
Per contra, they would lag and be slouchy and awkward at 
anything the Captain wanted done, especially when such 
conduct pleased the Mate — as it always did. 

At Port of Spain, Hawse received a letter from his friend 
in the counting house of the owners of the Wenonah: it 
brought joy to his heart — it told how his letters had raised 
such a storm that Colburn would be put out of the ship. 
This, with the strong current on board running counter to 
the Captain, and the fair wind and tide in his own direction, 
put the First Mate on solid footing again — he grew arro- 
gant ! Toward the men ? O no : toward the Captain! 
Considering him on the brink of a precipice, he thought 
to push him over — to treat him with curt insolence, 
which the Captain would fear to resent: but the first time 
he tried it, he got such a rude set-back, that like the com- 
plaisant weather vane he was, he instantly swung round to 
the new shift of wind. He was far too shrewd to have a 
second throttling, either literal or metaphorical, to his 
discredit when they should reach New York; and so the 
mouth that opened with a snarl, closed with a smile. 

Hawse was a keen observer of human weaknesses and a 
skillful manipulator of them to his own advantage. A 
slang phrase of the day — "What is there in it for me?" — 
expressed exactly his view of every situation, and he 
worked it accordingly, Now Ruggles could not be solaced 



Treachery 393 

with rum, for he did not drink — that is, he cared so little 
for it that Hawse knew he could make nothing out of him 
by means of it; but the Engineer had a weakness — the 
vanity of absolute sway in his own department; and as a 
concomitant, that it should be brought into action when- 
ever possible, to exhibit himself as the power that moved the 
ship: that any other force, physical or mental, terrestrial 
or celestial, entered into the combination that made the 
propeller revolve, never occurred to him. It was there- 
fore a rankling wound to his feelings that the Captain 
should employ sail as much as he did where steam is 
ordinarily used: worse, Ruggles felt acutely the control 
(slight though it was) which Colburn exercised over his 
department. 

The Captain early saw that he was a capable engineer 
and full of interest in his work — that he needed neither 
urging nor watching to do it well : he therefore had the good 
sense to let him alone, knowing that his efficiency would be 
impaired by any other course; but in his general inspec- 
tion of the ship he took a glance at the Engineer's depart- 
ment, more to keep himself informed than make any 
adverse criticism — indeed he never did this (his comments 
were mostly complimentary) — but Ruggles could not brook 
even this supervision: the former captain never came into 
his engine-room, so that Ruggles resented the innovation. 

Hawse early perceived the thorn and proceeded to tip it 
with poison: the Engineer was a prime factor in his 
scheme, and to enable him to further it, he had filled up 
Ruggles with so much jealousy and resentment, that (as 
we have seen) the Engineer was willing to have a fictitious 
breakdown of the machinery on two occasions. And yet 
no man could have been more tender of Ruggles' pro- 



394 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

fessional sensibilities than Colburn was: truly, Hawse 
knew how to corrupt ! 

The day was glorious beyond description, and the Cap- 
tain and his passengers were on the poop, all elated with 
the delights of sky, sea, and land : the Island of Santa Cruz 
was close aboard on the starboard beam, and afforded a 
welcome rest to the eye from the brilliance of sun and sea. 
Every once in a while some one would jump up and 
exclaim: "Isn't this glorious!" — "Isn't it delightful!" 
as if the feelings must have vent in some burst of gladness. 
The Doctor alone was meditative — gazing at sea and 
shore as if absorbed in some speculative reverie. 

Santa Cruz is generally known by its French name, 
Sainte Croix; but at present it is neither French nor 
Spanish, but Danish, as is also the Island of St. Thomas, 
forty miles to the northward. Santa Cruz was discovered 
by Columbus on his second voyage, and has in turn been 
Dutch, English, French, and Spanish : the Danes bought it 
in 1733. The population is a sprinkling of different 
nationalities upon a foundation of negroes, numbering 
(in 1901) about nineteen thousand; and although various 
languages are spoken, English prevails. 

The Wenonah was passing Frederichstad, a town at the 
western end of Santa Cruz: toward the east and south the 
land was quite level and dotted with plantation buildings, 
while in every direction lay extensive fields of sugar cane: 
through these fields ran long lines of cocoa-nut trees indicat- 
ing the location and course of the highways. To the 
north, hills arose, covered with forests; a soft haze and 
filmy patches of cloud hung among the trees and made a 
pleasing contrast with the green of their foliage. The 
view everywhere was indeed pleasing, quiet, and peaceful — 



Treachery 395 

fully warranting the exuberance of feeling experienced by 
all. 

"Doctor, what are you so deep in thought about?" 
asked the Captain. 

" I am thinking how like a cat this sea is — now so smooth 
and harmless that one would never think it had claws, and 
could rend and tear! Were you ever shipwrecked, Cap- 
tain?" 

" Not exactly, if you mean by that, going to pieces in a 
storm: but right over there — off that town — I was on a 
small vessel which was driven ashore by a tidal wave follow- 
ing an earthquake." 

"Why, that's a rare experience — much more so than 
wreck by storm: tell us about it"; and all gathered round 
to hear the following account : 

" It was in 1867, November 18th — a clear, calm, beautiful 
day, with sky and sea as serene as at present. I was Mate 
of a small brig anchored about half a mile off shore. 
Toward three o'clock in the afternoon we were under the 
awning smoking, when we were startled by an ominous 
rumbling, and vibration of the ship — she trembled from 
stem to stern as if steam were blowing off violently from the 
boilers. Our brig was a sailing vessel, however, so of 
course none of us thought of this as an explanation — I 
merely state it to illustrate the feeling. 

"We were struck with astonishment; but hearing a 
commotion in the town, we looked that way, and saw 
people running about wildly and screaming; dust rising 
and chimneys falling; and then we knew it was an earth- 
quake. 

"One of us happened to glance seaward, and shouted 
to the rest to look at a huge wall of water coming in: it 



396 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

extended all along the western horizon — a terrifying sight! 
It didn't comb as a wave on reaching shelving ground, but 
kept right on in one solid blue mass. We judged it to be 
fully sixty feet high, and thought it would break when 
nearer, and topple on our decks and sink us. 

"But at the same instant, an equally frightful sight 
arose inshore — the sea was running out like a mill-race! 
The bottom was bare in places — not two fathoms' depth 
was under the ship — and still the water was rushing out 
with seething fury. Almost aground, and a monster wave 
closing in upon us! We could but wait its onset, and the 
suspense was terrible — the anxiety of a life-time crowded 
into a few minutes : there was our doom coming on — roll- 
ing in with mighty force — growing larger and speeding 
faster every second, and all we could do was to watch and 
wait for the staggering blow. It came — struck us broad- 
side on — threw the vessel on her beam ends, and hurled 
us all in a heap against the port bulwarks. 

" When we got to our feet, it was to find the brig driving 
in on top of the wave. She had snapped her chain, and 
righted at once after being knocked down : the wave passed 
under and bore us on without combing, and we got no 
water on the deck. I shall never forget the appearance 
of things, and the thoughts that occurred to me as we drove 
toward the shore. The sea over-flowed the level country 
around the town and far inland — the water was up to the 
second stories of buildings and still rising — the Island 
seemed sinking — and we appeared to be sucked in toward 
the whirlpool where the last hill should disappear! 

" We looked calmly, and I may say without fear on 
what we believed our destruction: events occurred in 
quick succession, however; and perhaps we were a 



Treachery 397 

little dazed — incapable of fully realizing what was 
happening. 

" We shot past a small fort on the northern side of the 
town — you see it yonder — and were carried inland over 
some low ground, when a return wave caught us and bore 
us back; but the water receded more rapidly than the 
vessel, and left us stranded in a swamp a few hundred 
yards from the usual water-line. 

"Then wave followed wave — in, and out, alternately — 
each smaller than the one before, until finally the sea 
settled down to its normal condition. Its surface was 
then seen to be covered with all kinds of articles, drifted out 
from the town — provisions, dead animals, furniture, 
clothing, dry goods, and everything else that could float: 
the stores were burst open by the flooding sea which 
carried off their contents in receding. 

" I suppose that not more than five or six minutes elapsed 
from the time we first saw the wave until the vessel was 
hopelessly wrecked; and the appalling phase of this de- 
struction was the quiet amidst which it was accomplished ! 
The <;arth shook — everything rattled — objects were top- 
pled over; but the air was calm, and the sun shone as bright 
as at this moment. It was the hidden working of a tre- 
mendous force that was terrifying — we could see and feel 
its effects, but nothing of the force itself: outwardly, all 
was peaceable and at rest. An earthquake is the most 
awe-inspiring of natural phenomena: one doesn't know 
when or where it will break out — any move may be fatal — 
and this insecurity blanches the cheek and starts a cold 
perspiration from every pore. It is no shameful thing to 
confess to fear of an earthquake: you cannot fight it, or 
ward it off, or provide against it, or escape it, or in any 



398 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

other way exert yourself against this power of the Infinite ! 
You feel you are in the hollow of God's hand, and await 
with trembling His action. 

" I think several lives were lost, but I never learned how 
many. There was great damage to property, and nearly 
all the provisions in the town were destroyed. The 
people made for the high ground back of the town, and 
were thus mostly all saved. The negroes congregated in 
the churches after the water had subsided, and it was 
pitiable to hear their cries of despair at each shock; for 
although the waves of the sea went down, the tremors of 
the earth continued for many days, and some of the shocks 
were severe enough to crack walls, throw down pictures 
and mirrors, and cause furniture to jump about in a very 
uncanny way. At such times, as things in the churches 
shared in the general commotion, the beseeching yells 
and moans of the negroes for mercy were heartrending. 

"I want to correct here a statement often made in the 
magazines and newspapers — that a ship of our Navy 
(the Monongahela) was driven ashore at St. Thomas by 
a tidal wave, and cruised over the tops of houses, finally 
stranding on the beach. The disaster occurred at Santa 
Cruz — I was there, and saw it: she did not cruise over the 
tops of houses, for the water never reached their tops: 
she went in on the same wave that wrecked our little brig, 
and had exactly the same experience; for both vessels 
were only a short distance apart, going, as we then ex- 
pected, helplessly to destruction. But as soon as the 
Monongahela approached the row of houses on the water 
front, a return wave struck her, carried her out as far as the 
usual water line, where the bilge brought up against a 
small coral reef, and she stranded, heeling over consider- 



Treachery 399 

ably. She suffered much damage, and some lives were 
lost — men in boats astern who hadn't time to get on board 
before the wave struck her, and others hurled overboard 
with a 60-pounder on the forecastle, when she was thrown 
almost on her beam ends as we were. Material was sent 
down from New York — ways built, and she was launched, 
broadside to, and proceeded home by herself: she was then 
a steamer, with sails bark-rigged : the engines and boilers 
were subsequently taken out and she became entirely a 
sailing ship: her end was tragic — she was completely 
destroyed by fire very lately at Guantanamo." 

The Wenonah passed close to St. Thomas, the last of the 
Leeward Islands which enclose the Caribbean on the 
north; and she was now on the final stretch for home: the 
next land to be seen, was the Highlands of Navesink — 
then round Sandy Hook — sail up the Narrows — and let 
go the anchor off New York ! 

The thought sent a thrill through Colburn — the goal was 
almost in sight — he wanted to reach it without mishap. 

The weather continued propitious : the breeze freshened, 
and the first day in the open sea, the ship made her ten 
knots an hour; the second and the third day she did the 
same, so that by evening of this day she was well up toward 
the latitude of Bermuda. The passengers were in high 
spirits, and the Captain was jubilant: he had been much 
on deck day and night since passing St. Thomas, to see that 
the utmost was gotten out of the ship — that every inch of 
canvas was set, every yard properly laid, and the course 
the most direct. He was excited — almost feverish with the 
anticipation the gambler feels who stakes his all on a 
number and anxiously watches the ball circle round. 

Hawse, too, was delighted; but with the exultation of 



400 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

Mephistopheles in the last act of Faust: his long watched 
prey was now within reach — the trap-door open — and all 
ready to extend the mantle, envelop the victim, and drag 
him down to perdition! The Trade- wind rose and fell — 
moaning through the rigging like Gounod's sad strains so 
fittingly suggestive of the lost soul going to its doom; the 
ship rolled quickly and deep to a beam swell ; and the dis- 
tance from port was exactly right : yes, if he had ordered 
the conditions, the success of his scheme could not be 
more promising. 

All the afternoon Hawse walked up and down the star- 
board waist: his face indicated intense thought on some 
matter — something aloft, for he frequently looked up 
toward the main top. At length, he stopped near the ship's 
side, and leaning his back against the rail, fixed his gaze 
on the forward part of the main mast, about six feet below 
the top. He had been thus absorbed some minutes, when, 
as if suddenly realizing that the project in his mind might 
be suspected by some one watching him, he turned quickly 
around and looked out to sea: but he could not resist the 
fascination of whatever attracted him aloft ; so, in order to 
disguise his thoughts, he walked forward and looked at 
the same part of the foremast, then aft at the corresponding 
point of the mizzen, and finally back to the main — all 
with alternate glances at the sails and yards, the backstays 
and the fore-and-aft stays: his scrutiny might well seem 
to indicate solicitude for everything being taut and trim. 

Sam Ruggles approached unawares and said : 

"Well, it's all right, isn't it?" 

"What's all right?" snapped Hawse with an angry 
start, as if his thoughts had been divined. 

" Why, you were watching things aloft as if you weren't 



Treachery 401 

quite sure every sail was doing its best — are you so anxious 
to help Colburn get into port ?" 

" I may not be; but every seaman wants to see a ship do 
her best in a good breeze: it is like a horse-race — one's 
blood is up — he wants to see something win, even though 
it is not his own steed." 

" Yes, but I don't think we want to see Colburn come out 
ahead in this business — do we ?" 

"No, but old habits cling to one; and I've been in the 
habit so many years of keeping a sharp lookout on the 
sails and rigging, that I was doing it without thinking. 
One gets into a groove of doing his duty: now, to-morrow 
I'm going to overhaul the ground tackle; we haven't 
moored ship this voyage — we'll have to do it at New York, 
and I want to have everything in apple-pie order. Swivels 
and pins may be stuck fast with rust; so to avoid any hitch, 
I'm going to examine them to-morrow. Do you happen 
to know anything that will eat away rust and loosen a pin 
or bolt that can't be pulled out ?" 

"Yes, I have just the thing — a preparation I got in 
Frisco : I've had nuts rust on so hard — big ones, too — that 
not a wrench in the ship could turn them; but I pour some 
of my acid on them, and in a few minutes it eats its way 
around the thread and they come off easy." 

" I wish you would send me some of it: I don't think I'll 
need it, but 'tis best to have it at hand if I do: send me a 
monkey wrench, too." 

"All right," said Ruggles; and he went below to send 
the articles up. 

The ship was making a fine run, uncomfortable though 
it was from the incessant rolling to a beam swell — the long 
sea of the Trade winds. The weather had been clear 



402 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

and beautiful, but toward evening of the day on which 
Hawse and Ruggles held the conversation related above, a 
change was evident from the appearance of the sky and 
the indications of the barometer. The latter began to 
fluctuate, with a general downward tendency — slight, but 
decided: clouds gathered, the horizon became misty, and 
the air damp. But more than these signs, the sea indicated 
that some violent disturbance of the atmosphere had taken 
place in the far off distance: the waves came in from the 
northeast in enormous volumes — mass upon mass as if 
raised by a much stronger wind than the Wenonah had. 
The threatening appearances continued during the first 
watch, particularly the swell; but the barometer began to 
hold out a ray of hope — it jumped a few hundredths of an 
inch, now up, now down, but on the whole was no lower 
at midnight than it had been at eight o'clock. The Cap- 
tain was on deck a good deal, and watched the conditions 
closely: that a storm was raging somewhere, he had no 
doubt — the gusty, squally wind denoted that; but he 
judged from the behavior of the barometer that it was only 
its receding blasts they were experiencing. 

The First Mate had the middle watch, and as the Cap- 
tain had entire confidence in his seamanship, he went 
below at midnight and turned in, leaving word to be called 
if the weather got decidedly worse, and at any rate to call 
him at daylight. 

The first three hours of the middle watch dragged on 
without incident — dark, foul, and squally; and the ship 
rolled and rolled until this seemed her only motion. 

On each lower-mast, some six feet below the top, is the 
spider-band — a broad, stout ring of iron which (on the 
Wenonah) was sunk into a groove in the mast, not flush 



Treachery 403 

with the wood, but deep enough to keep it from slipping: 
the band was not a complete circle, but on the forward 
part was cut and formed into two strong jaws: these had 
holes in them, through which a stout bolt passed, having 
a solid head on the outside of one jaw and a heavy nut on 
the outside of the other: by setting up this nut to the full, 
it tightened the band in its groove and fixed it firmly on 
the mast. A pin on the outside of the nut kept it from 
working loose. 

From the spider-band the futtock shrouds extend to 
the outer rim of the top; they consist of thick iron rods 
fastened to the under side of the top and thus brace it down 
firmly to the mast; the topmast rigging comes down to the 
upper side of the top near the rim and receives both spread 
and secondary support from the top, while its primary 
support is the spider-band: thus, in reality, everything 
above the lower mast depends on the spider-band for sup- 
port. It is probably the most important single piece of 
equipment in the ship. 

At six bells of his watch, Hawse told the quartermaster 
at the wheel to keep a sharp eye on the steering, as he was 
going forward to see how things looked ahead. It was 
pitch dark, and a fine drizzle filled the air — a foul and 
dirty night! Hawse went quickly to the mainmast — took 
the monkey wrench and can of acid from their stow hole — 
slung the wrench around his neck with a lanyard — put the 
can in his pocket — jumped into the rigging, and laid aloft 
as nimbly as any man in the crew. 

In a minute he had the nut of the spider-band gripped 
with the monkey-wrench (after pulling out the pin), and 
gave it a jerk; but it held firm — he might as well have 
tried to turn the topsail sheet bitts. When satisfied he 



404 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

could do nothing by mere strength, he took the can and 
squirted acid all round the thread of the nut wherever 
he could get at it : while waiting to have it do its work, he 
lashed a stout bar of iron that was in the top, to the handle 
of the wrench, to give it greater leverage. Then he tried 
again, and after much effort had the satisfaction of hearing 
a sharp click, as of the separation of metal surfaces — 
evidently the acid had eaten its way nearly round the 
thread and his last tug had broken the slight contact that 
remained. He squirted more acid into the thread, and 
waited a few minutes: then he tried again, and to his 
delight the nut turned easily: he loosened it, but only a 
little — not half a turn, and then put the can in his pocket, 
slung the wrench, and laid down from aloft. 

After secreting the tools, he went up on the poop, with as 
little show of emotion as if he had merely been on the 
errand he gave out to the quartermaster. He had not been 
gone fifteen minutes — no one knew of his design — no one 
saw him — none, save the All Watching Eye that sees foul 
deeds as well as good, " and will render to every man accord- 
ing to his works." 

Half an hour passed, the weather still dark and misty: 
at fifteen minutes to eight bells Hawse slipped quietly off 
the poop, went quickly forward, got the wrench and acid, 
and laid aloft: he tried the nut — it moved easily, so he 
pitched the can of acid into the sea. Then he turned the 
nut slowly — the bolt loosened — he turned more and 
listened for the crackling sound that denotes the separation 
of surfaces long in contact. It came: he gave a further 
turn to ensure success — that the rolling of the ship would 
eventually work the nut loose and the spider-band out of 
its groove : when satisfied of this, he slung the wrench, laid 



Treachery 405 

down from aloft, and reached the poop in time to give the 
order, "Strike eight bells and call the watch!" When 
relieved by the Second Mate, he turned in, but not to sleep : 
no, he lay awake waiting — anxiously, waiting for the fatal 
roll that should be the coup de grace of his scheme. 

At daylight the Captain was called. The morning was 
dismal, but the barometer had an upward tendency and 
the wind was abating. The sea, however, still ran high, 
and the motion of the ship was intolerable. At early dawn 
the passengers turned out: sleep and rest were out of the 
question, and even when up, the discomfort was great — 
walking was impossible, and to sit or stand required a 
constant effort against the violent motion of the ship. 
She plunged into a mass of water — rose — quivered on the 
liquid summit — then slid down its receding slope, and 
rolled amidst a succession of combing waves that followed 
some tremendous sea. But with it all, she was driving 
on her course : every mile made, was a mile nearer the goal, 
and the Captain held on. 

By eight o'clock the wind had fallen more, the sun came 
out, and the barometer was steadily rising: then the Cap- 
tain knew that the storm, if such it were, was passing from 
them. An hour later the wind veered to the southward 
and fell to a light breeze, but the motion of the ship con- 
tinued ; the swell was almost abeam — one undulation after 
another with towering crest and yawning trough, to which 
the ship rolled until her main yard almost dipped into every 
billow as it came with might and majesty. 

The breeze became fitful, and as its pressure on the 
sails lessened, every roll knocked the wind out of them, 
and they lashed back against the masts with a force that 
threatened to tear them from the bolt ropes. 



406 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

About the middle of the forenoon, the Captain decided 
to bring the ship to the wind (which was then on the 
quarter) until the sea should go down : he took the deck, all 
hands were called, and every officer went to his station. 
The passengers came on the poop to watch the manoeuvre. 
All hatches were battened down. The royals were taken 
in, and courses hauled up, but nothing furled: all other 
sail remained on the ship. He watched for a smooth time, 
put the helm down, and gradually braced the yards up on 
the starboard tack : she was coming easily to the wind when 
a heavy sea struck her — she rolled deeply to port — there 
was a loud crack aloft — and all looked up to see everything 
on the main come down with a thundering crash! In one 
tangled mass — sails, spars, and rigging — topsail, to 'gallant 
sail, and royal; masts and yards; shrouds and stays, all 
fell on the main yard and cock billed it to port : the topmast 
was broken in two pieces, the lower cap split, and the head 
of the lower mast wrenched off: the main top was broken in 
halves, the half to port forming part of the wreck that fell 
on that side, while the starboard half was tilted upward. 
From both halves hung the futtock shrouds, twisted and 
bent, but still attached to the spider-band, which was 
drawn out of all shape, though not broken: it was of 
wrought iron. The jaws were wide apart, and the nut 
and bolt gone. 

There was much damage to the fore and mizzen also: 
the upper stays leading from these masts to the main, 
brought down in their own wreck the fore and mizzen 
to 'gallant masts, yards, and sails, with of course the royals. 

The ship presented a pitiable sight — her proud crest 
of masts gone, she looked like a headless body ! It was so 
sudden — such a wreck in little more than a calm, that it 



Treachery 407 

could be likened to nothing but the blinding flash in a clear 
sky : all were struck dumb : they could but stand and stare 
and wonder what had done it — for a moment none found 
speech or motion. 

Then the Captain recovering, called a seaman and sent 
him with orders to the Engineer to get up steam at once, 
and as rapidly as possible. 

" O yes," muttered Ruggles when the messenger had left 
him: "in your hour of need you call on me, but this time 
you'll call in vain. I have my innings now, and you'll 
wallow long in your wreck and ruin before Sam Ruggles 
will lend a hand to pull you out. I remember Frisco and 
your jaunty uniform order. I remember the many times 
since, that you airily sailed in and out of port disdaining my 
engine: now you'll find your way to New York with your 
damn sails. I'll have my revenge. O yes, I'll get up 
steam, but not a mile will it drive you toward port!" 
And with this, he went to make a semblance of complying 
with the order. 

The Captain now proceeded to clear away the wreck. 
Brooks went at once to him and said : " Captain, I am an 
old topman, and will lend a hand at the main." 

The Doctor and Northrup also came up and said: 
"Captain, we're not like our young friend here — handy 
seamen; but we can pull a rope or lift a spar, and here we 
are with coats off ready to do our best : I guess we had better 
work with Brooks." 

None of them expressed sympathy or regret at the acci- 
dent, but Colburn knew from their natures that both these 
feelings filled their hearts, hidden under their matter of 
fact action : he simply answered, " I am very thankful for 
all the help I can get." 



408 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

The first endeavor was to remove such hamper as ob- 
structed the sail yet available for setting; and within a 
few hours the foretopsail, mizzen topsail, and some fore 
and aft sail were drawing: the ship would come to the 
wind — lie there a short time — then fall off, and roll and 
wallow, while parts of the wreck thumped the side as if 
to stave it in. 

It usually took four hours to get up steam, and when this 
time had elapsed, Colburn sent to the Engineer to know 
when he would be ready: the answer came that he couldn't 
tell — he was having some trouble — possibly it would be an 
hour. That limit passed, and he came on deck to say that 
unless they could steady the ship, he could not couple the 
propeller. The Captain made every disposition of sail 
possible to keep her quiet, and she was so at intervals — 
long enough for any man to do the work; but Ruggles had 
no intention of doing it when he could. 

Another hour was wasted in simulated effort — he 
delayed as long as he thought the matter would bear, and 
then reported the engine ready. The propeller turned — 
the ship forged ahead — but the engine had not been going 
half an hour when it came to a sudden stop. Ruggles sent 
word to the Captain that the air pump gave out, but that he 
would try to repair the damage. It was a lie — nothing 
gave out; he meant to dally with the Captain — to delude 
him with hope, so that he might rely on what should ulti- 
mately fail. Then he banked the fires and proceeded to 
tinker at the air pump, so as to be found at work in case 
the Captain or some one from the deck should come down. 

Somebody did come — Hawse! 

" Well, Sam ; now is the time to stir up that old machine — 
we're in a bad fix." 



Treachery 409 

They looked at each other, and both burst out laughing. 
Then Hawse drew a flask from his pocket — took off the 
cover (which formed a cup), filled it, and handed it to 
Ruggles, saying, 

"Take this for good luck in getting that pump ready"; 
and again both laughed with a knowing leer. 

"Anything I can do to help you, Sam ?" 

"Yes, spread the fires under that boiler and put on 
more coal — you know I must have a good head of steam 
when this job is done"; and again both chuckled. 

" Arthur: There is no malice in this burning coal ; 

The breath of heaven hath blown his spirit out, 
And strew'd repentant ashes on his head. 

" Hubert: But with my breath I can revive it, boy. 

" Arthur: And if you do, you will but make it blush 

And glow with shame of your proceedings." 

Sunset came, and still no engine moved; nor did it dur- 
ing the night, nor the next day, nor ever again (except 
spasmodically) during the dragging days that elapsed 
before the ship anchored off the battery at New York. 

Ruggles kept his pact, and gratified his vengeful spirit: 
he devised one break-down after another to keep the 
engine from working more than a few minutes at a time, 
until the Captain, suspecting some design in this series of 
accidents, finally dispensed with it altogether — had the 
fires hauled, propeller uncoupled — and worked his way to 
port under jury rig. Colburn was no engineer, and had 
no one he could rely upon to detect Ruggles' treachery and 
replace him ; but he had sails, he knew how to use them, and 
there was wind to fill them ; so he was not as helpless as Sam 
Ruggles thought, or Jacob Hawse wished. 



410 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

When Brooks (whilom seaman, topman, and boat- 
swain's mate in the Navy, and subsequently first mate of a 
clipper ship) laid aloft, after tendering his services to the 
Captain, it was to see what could be done toward getting 
the main top back in place. On examining the spider- 
band, he was surprised to find some bright patches on its 
jaws, as if cleaned by an acid : he smelled of it — it had an 
acid odor! He laid down from aloft at once — searched 
about the deck — found the nut: that, too, had a clean 
surface and acid odor! He found the bolt, also clean in 
spots and smelling of acid! But more than all this, the 
threads of the bolt nearest the end, and some on the nut, 
were stripped off smooth, as if the nut had worked its way 
partly off, and then been pulled entirely off by a violent 
tug, thereby tearing away the remaining threads of nut 
and bolt that had been in contact. Such an explanation 
was readily afforded by what actually occurred — the heavy 
pull of the topmast when its support was loosened and it 
broke adrift. Could it be that the pin in the bolt outside 
the nut had dropped out ? But how account for the acid ? 
He sought diligently for the pin — found it, and to his 
amazement the head showed marks of a tool having 
wrenched it out! He searched again and found the mon- 
key-wrench — smelling of acid! 

By this time he was in a state of excitement hard to 
control : within a few minutes he had discovered that what 
was thought to be an accident was none other than a 
diabolical act ! All in a tremor, he hastily called Northrup 
and the Doctor — related what he suspected, and showed 
them what he found. Who was the miscreant? The 
same name rose to the lips of all — Hawse! 

But Northrup, with the lawyer's caution, advised that 



Treachery 411 

until they could find out more, especially something to con- 
nect him irrefutably with the deed, they should keep the 
matter to themselves; and in no case even hint of it to Col- 
burn: and this counsel prevailed. All three decided to 
watch the First Mate closely; and for this purpose they 
would take turns at night until the ship had her jury spars 
up. Then Brooks took the wrench, nut, bolt, and pin 
— hid them in his room, and returned to work on the wreck 
with the other two: they meant to keep it up until dark — 
then turn in, and be called at four o'clock, as Hawse had 
the morning watch. 

The Captain was to continue on deck during the first 
and middle watches, directing the work. At sunset he 
called all hands aft and told them he wanted every avail- 
able man to work on the wreck, day and night, until it 
was cleared away and the jury rig up; and that they would 
be divided equally in two watches for this purpose, except 
from eight in the morning until four in the afternoon, dur- 
ing which time all hands would be on deck, with an hour 
for dinner. Then he piped down and set to work with the 
watch whose turn it was. 

And so throughout the night the work went on — slowly, 
for the men were sulky. At six bells of both the first and 
middle watches, the Captain had the cook prepare a sub- 
stantial meal of hot coffee, biscuit, butter, potatoes and 
corned beef, and serve it out to the men: this put them in 
good spirits during the last hour of the watch — they 
worked better; and when eight bells struck, it was to go 
below and sleep with the contentment of a full stomach. 

When Hawse came up for the morning watch, he was 
in better humor than the Captain had ever seen him: 
he received the orders for continuing the work, in a cheery 



412 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

spirit, and said he would drive it on. Then the Captain 
turned in. On learning of the extra meal served out, 
Hawse decided to go it one better; so at four bells, he got 
his bottle and small glass, went to the lee of the main- 
mast, and called the men one by one to give them a dose : 
as each turned away full of its warmth and tingling 
geniality, he gave expression to the general feeling — 
"Ah! that's the stuff — to hell with the Captain and his 
hot coffee — the Mate's the man for us!" 

The work went on languidly; for the men quickly saw 
that the Mate was in no hurry with it and they took their 
cue accordingly. This roused Brooks to remark with 
indignation : 

" Mr. Hawse, the men are doing nothing — they're simply 
soldiering — we'll never get to port at this rate." 

He looked so angry, and Northrup and the Doctor 
backed him up with such a fierce glare (all three had been 
up since daylight working hard), that Hawse thought best 
to turn his retort about it being none of their business, into 
an excuse — that the men were worn out. by the night's 
work. 

The Captain came up at six bells to take the observations 
for longitude and compass error: he was greatly dis- 
appointed at the little that had been done in the three hours 
since he left the deck, and told the Mate so in no soft 
words; but the latter replied with the usual excuse — that 
he was doing the best he could. 

"I am doing the best I can" is as exasperating to the 
commanding officer from a subordinate, as "I don't 
remember" is to the lawyer from an evasive witness: both 
answers are wholly insincere and hypocritical — a subter- 
fuge to cover up incompetency, ill will, or reluctance to do 



Treachery 413 

duty in the one case ; and to avoid acknowledging incrimin- 
ating acts in the other case. 

The sea had subsided to a long swell and the wind was 
rising to a fresh, steady breeze — conditions which would 
ensure good speed if the engine were working, or even 
under sail alone if anything could be set on the main; but 
there was such a mass and tangle of material there, that 
another day must elapse before a clearing could be effected. 

When Hawse was relieved, he went below and turned in 
on the plea that he was sick. 

The Captain took charge aft, and sent the Second Mate 
to look out forward. The work was sullenly done — the 
men had to be driven: Hawse's influence was potent even 
while he slept. 

As the hours waxed on, it was noticed that one man after 
another left his work and went under the topgallant fore- 
castle: at first, each came back after a few minutes; but 
eventually, those who went, did not return ; and soon noise, 
song, and boisterous laughter came from the forecastle. 
The Captain having missed some men he had on a job, 
was going forward when he heard these sounds — he 
hastened on. At the break of the forecastle, a staggering 
sight met his view: there, lolling and sprawling on the deck 
in various stages of drunkenness, were a score of men, with 
half a dozen bottles — all partly empty — circulating among 
them — each grabbing a bottle from the other and trying 
to get a swig, while it was held back for the same purpose. 
They were uproarious, maudlin, and ribald. On seeing 
the Captain, they shouted, 

"The Mate's a brick— he's got the stuff— to hell with 
your coffee!" 

With a bound Colburn jumped among them — seized 



414 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

one bottle after another and hurled it over the side. Then 
finding Ivan Kaulbars and a few of his ilk more obstreper- 
ous than the rest, he put them in double irons: the others 
were wholly unfit for work, and there was nothing to do 
but let them sleep off their drunken stupor. 

And this — twenty men turned into sodden beasts at a 
critical moment; their services lost; their inane jollity 
grating on the ear amidst the wreck about them ; the wind 
rising; the ship without adequate sail; the engine disabled; 
a tangle of broken spars, twisted rigging, and torn canvas 
littering the decks; disorder and confusion everywhere; 
and demoralization and sulkiness among the crew! — yes, 
this was enough to exasperate the mildest temper, and 
make the stoutest heart faint. 

There was not an officer or man in the ship's company 
whom Colburn could rely upon : he was absolutely alone — 
without support, sympathy, or friendly feeling. And 
why ? Because he had merely done his duty — had become 
in reality the captain of the ship, and not a figure-head for 
an ambitious subordinate to govern through. He went aft 
and sent for Hawse. 

"Did you give the men whiskey?" was his direct ques- 
tion. 

"No sir, I did not." 

"Then where did they get it? Twenty of them are 
drunk forward — I took half a dozen bottles from them — 
and they say you have it." 

" O, I have a few bottles for my own use that I bought 
at Sandy Point; but they're safely locked up in my store- 
room." 

" Go and see if they are there now." 

Hawse went, and returned with well simulated anger. 



Treachery 415 

" No sir, they are not: some one has broken in and taken 
every drop I had, together with many other things." For 
once he spoke the truth; but it was with joy that he heard 
his loss had been the means of such havoc : why, if he had 
the ordering of things himself, he couldn't have done it 
better! So he thought, but to the Captain he put on a 
grieved look: Colburn fixed him with an angry stare and 
said: 

"Mr. Hawse, I regret I didn't do one of two things 
during this passage — either set you ashore at Callao, or 
put you on the forecastle when we were off the coast of 
Patagonia: both were in my mind. You needn't look sur- 
prised — I had good cause for either course, as you well 
know. Your conduct on the way down from San Fran- 
cisco was that of a vicious instigator of discontent, and your 
usefulness as an officer was gone when the Boatswain 
choked you: O yes, I've known of that for some time. 
As a seaman, you are one of the best I have ever known; 
but as for straightforward action between man and man, 
it isn't in you. 

"You knew the temptation drink is to sailors, and yet 
you put it within their reach: now see the consequences! 
That is all I have to say at present." 

Hawse was not sure that Colburn did not know more 
than he expressed, so with the evil-doer's fear, he turned 
away without a word. 

For some days the ship crawled along under such sail 
as was added from time to time according as jury spars 
were rigged, until finally she was under topsails, courses, 
to 'gallant sails, and fore-and-aft sails, making fairly good 
speed. But what a pitiful sight ! No longer the neat and 
trim Wenonah, but a bedraggled tramp of the sea, 



416 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

Northrup and Brooks went among the men and asked 
about the disaster — what did they think caused it? The 
answers were singularly accordant. Then they asked 
Hawse — how did he explain it ? " Easily enough : the 
ship wasn't brought to the wind properly — the courses 
were hauled up and topgallant sails left on the ship — the 
pressure was all aloft without anything to balance it on the 
lower masts, and so the spars yielded to the unequal 
strain." And this, in substance, was what the crew said, 
too: they had been well coached. 

Brooks could not help turning upon Hawse and saying: 
"I certainly didn't think you would concoct such a silly 
fable as that, and less that you could make the crew swal- 
low it: truly, they are a gullible lot!" 

They sought Sam Ruggles to see if he knew anything. 
Northrup said: "Mr. Ruggles, as we are nearing port, I 
want to overhaul my trunks — I presume I shall find the 
locks stuck and hinges rusty from the wet weather we've 
been in — can you lend me a few tools and something to 
clean off the rust ? I am a little of a machinist and carpen- 
ter, and should like a hammer, tacks, nails, and a wrench." 

" I can give you the hammer and nails all right, but the 
acid for eating away rust and a monkey wrench I cannot; 
I lent them to the First Mate the day before we carried 
away our masts, to work on the anchor gear; and he has 
not returned them yet." 

Northrup fired only a random shot, but it hit the bull's 
eye! and for fear they should betray the importance of 
their discovery, he and Brooks talked with all the indiffer- 
ence possible until they could be by themselves. 

"There!" said Brooks with impatient conviction; " what 
further proof do you want ?" 



Treachery 417 

"Proof! my dear fellow," answered Northrup — "we 
have none : circumstantial evidence ? yes, a good deal, and 
very valuable; but remember we have nothing to show that 
Hawse did the deed — he might have had a human tool, 
and it is the person who actually turned the monkey 
wrench that we want to get hold of : he may accuse Hawse 
of instigating it, and then he would be an accomplice; but 
we want something more direct than we have at present to 
connect him with it: let us search further — enquire about 
Hawse's doings previously to the disaster." 

They found that Carlo Castagnuolo had the last two 
hours at the wheel during Hawse's middle watch on that 
fateful night. Carlo added another link to the chain — 
telling how Hawse was twice absent from the poop for 
about fifteen minutes each time; that he told the quarter- 
master he was going on the forecastle to see how the 
weather looked ahead, but he saw nothing unusual about 
him when he returned. 

"What more do we want to hang that scoundrel ?" said 
Brooks. But Northrup answered, "Let us ask the Cap- 
tain how he explains the accident." 

The ship was within a day's run of New York before 
Northrup found it in his heart to speak to Colburn on the 
subject, and even then Brooks tried to dissuade him from 
it. 

" You see how hard Colburn takes it : he sleeps little and 
eats little — is generally on deck — restless, and seemingly 
apprehensive of another calamity. He is rapidly getting 
sick. His ambition was to make this command a success, 
and see what he is taking into port — a crippled ship and a 
mutinous crew! It will go hard with him — he knows it — 
and I don't wonder he is worried. He hasn't the duplicity 



418 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

to cloak his feelings — they are all in his face and manner for 
those curs, Hawse and Ruggles, to gloat over : it is ever the 
same — when one in power comes to grief, the meanest 
of his subordinates are the first to show disrespect. I 
should like to tell the Captain how deeply his hard luck 
appeals to my feelings: that the situation is serious, we all 
know; and that he takes it seriously — as he should, we also 
know. This making light of a dire situation — putting a 
bold front on it, as some people advise — is both silly and 
insincere : let them be but crushed themselves, and see how 
soon they'll droop and wear a downcast mien; it is not 
natural to do otherwise, and the man who attempts it, is 
a hypocrite. 

"The Captain has avoided all mention of the disaster, 
and I infer that he doesn't want to discuss it: besides, I 
don't think he could add anything to what we know." 

But the delver for facts — the searcher for the pith and 
marrow of a case, is no respecter of feelings when the scent 
leads to a possible clue; and so it was that the next morning 
when Colburn was leaning up against the mizzen rigging 
and looking fixedly at the main top Northrup approached 
him and said: "Well, Captain, how did it happen?" 

"I wish I could tell," answered Colburn: "I've been 
asking myself that question for days past, but am yet no 
nearer an explanation than at first. That the topmast 
rigging lost its support from the spider-band getting loose, 
is plain enough; but how did it get loose — that is the ques- 
tion: 1 can only imagine that the bolt in the jaws broke, 
which would of course release the band — thefuttock shrouds 
would then pull it off at the first roll, and the crash would 
follow. I went aloft as soon as we got some sail on the 
ship, and examined everything carefully; then I came on 



, -\ ■■-■■ . "■ ... .;■ ■■■■' 




Jacob Hawse, First Mate of the Wenonah 



Treachery 419 

deck and searched for the bolt and nut, but found nothing 
— they must have been jerked overboard." As the Cap- 
tain did not encourage further conversation, Northrup 
dropped the subject — he saw he knew nothing positive, 
and that if he had any plausible supposition, he would not 
communicate it. 

Then Northrup, Brooks, and the Doctor held a council 
as to whether they should tell Colburn all they knew. 
Brooks was eager to do so at once: he wanted to see the 
culprit in irons — caged beyond the power to do further 
harm; besides, it might have an intimidating effect on his 
ally, Ruggles, who would then find his engine in condition 
to drive them into port : Brooks had no doubt of its defects 
being a put up job — he knew enough of the wile of the sea 
to believe Ruggles entirely capable of doing a treacherous 
deed when it served his purpose. 

The Doctor refrained from expressing an opinion until 
he should hear what Northrup 's was. The latter said: 
"This is not a case the Captain can punish — it is far too 
grave for that: it must be taken into the United States 
Criminal Court. You empanel a jury — who are they? 
As a rule, men with a bias for the seaman as against the 
officer, and for the mate as against his captain. The 
brutal autocrat of the quarter deck is their idea of the 
latter — they have an inherent antipathy for him. That 
jury is to pass upon the facts: what are these ? You and I 
and other witnesses recount them: the wrench, bolt, nut, 
and pin are exhibited, and the circumstances related 
pointing to their use. Will the story be credited ? Hardly ; 
for it must seem incredible to any body of men that such a 
fiendish crime could be committed. You must show some 
great motive impelling to it, and what one can you assign ? 



420 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

Animosity toward the Captain ? It is wholly inadequate — 
no jury would believe that the second officer in the ship 
would wreck her and endanger his own life as well as the 
lives of all on board merely through enmity for the man in 
command. Then the crew is called up — one after another 
testifies in favor of the Mate, and not one for the Captain ! 
What does this mean ? To the minds of the jurors, that 
he is the typical tyrant of the sea; who drives, abuses, 
grinds his men — a hardened old sea dog who lashes with 
the cat. Let the counsel for the prisoner get a hold of this 
end of the tale, and there is not a fiend in hell equal to 
Captain Colburn, albeit that it is all based on innuendo 
skilfully evoked by question of the witnesses for Hawse, 
without a specific harsh act on the part of the Captain to 
point to. Then, gentlemen of the jury, where was the 
motive and who was the culprit ? The Captain, through 
bad seamanship (as testified to by every one of the 
crew), brought on the disaster, and, to clear himself, 
invents this monstrous plot! Was anything more devil- 
ish? But is it not in keeping with the character 
given him, without a dissenting voice, by his officers 
and men ? The jury scarcely leaves the box — the fore- 
man announces a verdict of acquittal for the Mate, 
and Colburn (at the instance of Counsel for Hawse) 
is immediately arraigned for defamation of character 
and criminal libel." 

"Yes, you are right," said the Doctor: "I think the 
case would turn that way, and Colburn would only be 
the victim of plausible coloring of the circumstances." 

"And now I agree with you both," said Brooks: "I 
didn't think it possible that such a clear case could be 
turned awry." 



Treachery 421 

The ship kept on without further mishap. Toward 
noon of a fine Saturday she rounded Sandy Hook, and with 
a fair wind and under all sail, stood up the channel and 
through the Narrows: there we shall leave her, to relate 
what followed in the next chapter. 



CHAPTER XXIII 

Judas Gets his Reward 

Some rise by sin, and some by virtue fall. 

— Shakspere. 

Toward sunset, the Wenonah approached an anchorage 
off the statue of Liberty — not with the proud crest of lofty 
spars, taut rigging, and trim sails, her Captain stepping 
the bridge with the conscious pride of commanding a noble 
fabric of the sea; but a cripple, under stump topmasts, 
fished yards, patched sails, and many other expedients to 
enable her hobble into port, while her commander was as 
broken in spirit as the ship was wracked in equipment. 
It was her home coming — sad and crouching, compared 
with the erect and bouyant mien entering foreign ports! 
But the reception one gets from his own is often the least 
cordial. It was sorely disappointing to Colburn to come 
thus discredited before his employers. How could he 
explain it ? He could not — there was no plausible theory 
he could frame. 

After letting go the anchor, he gave some orders to the 
First Mate about affairs on board, and then went below. 
It was Saturday evening — there was no possibility of 
reporting his arrival before Monday morning, so he de- 
cided to take some rest — he was both sick and weary. 
While the need for strain lasted, he kept on the rack; but 
when the tension was released, his nerve and will relaxed 

422 



Judas Gets his Reward 423 

too — they were but parts of the same organization that 
had been harried and drained of vitality for weeks. 

He sought the passengers and told them he had directed 
the Mate to afford them transportation ashore; but that if 
they wished to remain until Monday, they were entirely 
welcome to do so. They decided to go, and after bidding 
him a regretful farewell, they left the ship: Brooks prom- 
ised to return the following day and spend the afternoon 
with him — there was a strong warm feeling between these 
two men. 

And now Hawse was master, for the Captain turned 
in leaving word not to be called unless something important 
occurred; the injunction was unnecessary, for the Mate 
was only too anxious to attend to everything himself. 

The Captain slept not: all night he turned from side to 
side, his head a whirl of thought: how did it happen? — 
what would the owners do ? He was unknown to them — 
would they be considerate, and regard the accident as one 
of those unavoidable events of the sea; or would they 
ruthlessly dismiss him? And then what should he do? 
Discredited by disaster, where could he look for another 
place ? At best, with the prestige of a long career of suc- 
cess, it was hard to get a ship — they were so few; but with 
his first command brought in a wreck, the prospect was 
dark and disheartening. The city was practically new 
to him; he was without friends and with little means; 
besides, he was on the downward slope of life — what should 
he do if set adrift ? And moreover, he was not alone — he 
had a wife dependent on him in California, who would be 
tortured by vivid imaginings, worse by far than the reality: 
the apprehension of the unknown is ever worse than the 
suffering of the actual. And so he turned thought after 



424 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

thought over in his mind until it was hot with working, 
and his eyes burnt from fixity of looking — trying to peer 
into the future. His bodily and mental ailments reacted 
on each other, and intensified the condition of both. Sun- 
day morning came, and he dozed off for an hour, only to 
wake with a start — eyes wide open and brain alert, to begin 
the tread-mill of the night. 

During the forenoon some reporters with note-book and 
camera visited the ship. Hawse received them affably and 
talked volubly: he told them the crew were at liberty to 
speak freely on the events of the voyage — the Press was the 
greatest institution in the country, and the Public were 
entitled to know what was going on. It is needless to say 
that his secret code of communication with certain mem- 
bers of the crew came into use at once, and they were 
instructed as to the trend their stories should take; and 
Hawse was careful to see that only these men were inter- 
viewed by the scribes. When they left the ship, they were 
greatly elated over the material gathered for a highly sea- 
soned tale of the sea. 

And so when Monday morning came, the daily papers 
gave prominent place to picture and story of the dilapidated 
Wenonah: "She had a remarkable voyage — slow, but not 
for want of wind ; the Captain was cautious about carrying 
sail — it was his first command, and, naturally, he had the 
timidity of a novice. Otherwise, his newness in the duties 
of his position was evident in the way he ignored the com- 
forts, customs, and privileges of the sailor — all that body 
of little matters beyond legal requirement or the stipula- 
tion of the shipping articles; but which on that very account 
are more dear to Jack, because woven into his nature by 
long custom. Fortunately, however, an intercessor stood 



Judas Gets his Reward 425 

between him and the crew — the Mate, who knew the needs 
of the men, and had the harshest measures mitigated, and 
even obtained some favors: it is believed that open mutiny 
was thus averted in many cases. At any rate, whether due 
to ignorance or perversity of spirit, the efficiency of the ship 
suffered; and she came into port full of sour discontent. 
Then she took an extraordinary route — through the long 
winding channels of Patagonia in order to enable some 
passengers to enjoy the marvelous scenery of that region: 
truly, this was a complaisant company of ship-owners that 
could thus afford to burn coal and have their vessel lounge 
leisurely along for the gratification of those on board. One 
serious event occurred — a man was stabbed; yet through 
misguided leniency, the Captain did not punish the assail- 
ant nor hold him for criminal assault upon an unarmed 
man who gave no provocation other than uttering a little 
joke; but it was the usual case of the hot tempered Italian, 
ever ready with his stiletto for the heart of an American 
citizen: surely, the injured man could find redress in the 
United States Court. 

"The worst thing of all, however, was a disaster that 
happened near Bermuda — apparently due to an awkward 
attempt to bring the ship by the wind : she came into port 
like a lame duck — one leg broken, a shattered wing, dirty 
plumage, and her gait a limp (this simile highly pleased 
the youthful scribe). Was the Captain incompetent? 
At any rate, this was the last voyage any sailor in the ship 
would make with him. And the officers ? All bricks, 
especially the First Mate — a fine sailor — they'd go any- 
where with him — he knew how to handle the ship; they 
would never reach port if it hadn't been for him." And 
so on through more than a column, capped with scare 



426 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

headlines; and all so deftly colored — a delicate shade here, 
a heavy brush there, a small incident dropped out in one 
place or inserted in another to give the event the desired 
turn — that even the most salty sailor might be puzzled to 
say how much was true and how much false. 

On Monday the Captain could not leave his berth: he 
had scarcely slept for two nights, or eaten for two days — 
he was bordering on brain fever. As he had to report the 
ship's arrival, he sent for Hawse and told him to go to the 
owners and relate the circumstances of the passage, and 
tell them that he would go himself as soon as he could get 
up. Hawse showed much concern for his condition, and 
expressed such deep sympathy, and evinced such a desire 
to do little kindnesses that it softened Colburn's heart; 
and he had a revulsion of feeling: "Perhaps, after all," 
he thought, "I have done him injustice — he may have 
streaks of loyalty and sincerity"; and so a remorseful wave 
mingled with kindly sentiments swept through him. But 
Hawse had scarcely left the ship, when one of his minions 
(previously instructed what to do) sent to the cabin three of 
the morning papers with a big red pencil mark on each 
pointing to the article on the Wenonah. 

"O the scoundrel — the traitor — how could he be so 
double-faced!" broke out the Captain, as he read lie after 
lie. They threw him into a rage — all the more violent 
because of the good feeling it had just replaced: the deceit 
was exasperating; and to think he was on the point of 
trusting this Judas again! 

It was in this state — almost insane from a sense of wrong 
and misrepresentation, crazed by loss of sleep, and weak 
from want of food, that Northrup, Brooks, and the Doctor 
found him when they came aboard to make a friendly 



Judas Gets his Reward 427 

visit. They told him they had just left the three news- 
paper offices and had given to each a true version of the 
incidents; but they omitted to say (which would only 
exasperate him the more) that there was no hope of having 
the correct account published. 

The deed was done: "The editors had confidence in 
their reporters — these had been on board — had ques- 
tioned everybody : they themselves took all the care a court 
could, in sifting the evidence; and they saw no reason to 
revise their opinion." They might have added (if they 
chose to be frank) that it would discredit them to acknowl- 
edge that they had given a biased account: better let the 
wrong remain, than confess it had been committed; tins, 
and not any extravagant confidence in their reporters, was 
the actuating motive (among others) for their refusal to 
redress an injury. 

Even if the true state of the case were published, would 
it undo the evil ? Not at all. The venom had spread — 
a million minds had absorbed it, and man is prone to 
believe evil rather than good of his fellow man, especially 
when the evil comes to those who govern as against the 
governed; and so Colburn was condemned by every one 
who read the article. 

Hawse was astute: he had the case presented by an 
advocate, and passed upon by a jury — Press and Public — 
which often render a verdict on ex parte evidence ; only the 
plaintiff's testimony is generally heard. And if the de- 
fendant interpose his plea — will it avail ? Scarcely ever. 
The statute of limitations bars him — the public has heard 
the story already — the sensation has passed — they're tired 
of ancient history. But the justice of the case? Bah! 
they have no time for details. Not one in ten thousand 



428 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

who read the accusation will either see or care to look 
at the defense: to their view, it is but the wail 
of a culprit, not the indignant denial of the innocent. 
And so the harm is done — the wicked triumph — and the 
evil is perpetuated. 

Before Northrup, Brooks, and the Doctor went on board, 
they considered the advisability of seeing the owners of 
the ship and counteracting the evil influence the news- 
paper articles might have on them. But Northrup said : 
" Nobody knows better than a New Yorker what a con- 
glomerate of exaggeration, misrepresentation, and craftily 
turned phrases such articles are. They are written for 
a class that, like the gross feeder, must be tempted by high 
seasoning: this has now reached a stage where only the 
red pepper and tabasco sauce of composition will stir to 
interest. It is like the appropriations asked of legislative 
bodies — so far beyond what is required, or expected to 
be given, that the applicants hope, that when pared 
down, they will get what they really need : the percentage 
to be cut off, is added in advance — a hypocritical pro- 
cedure. So with the sensational scribes: they write to 
attract by the enormity of their statements, trusting that 
some of their lies will inoculate — and they do, and poison 
too. But any sensible man who uses his intelligence 
can readily distinguish the shading and coloring put on 
to give the whole a certain aspect. I presume those 
ship-owners are hard headed men of business and can 
readily see through the deceitful turn given every inci- 
dent in these articles; it would be making too much of 
such writing to go to the firm and expose its falsity — 
they might think: 'Well, perhaps there is more in it 
than we thought.' No: my opinion is, that while these 



Judas Gets his Reward 429 

articles may create a slightly unfavorable impression on 
these men, still I cannot conceive them having such 
effect as to work serious injury to the Captain; and there- 
fore that we had better not speak of them." 

But Northrup did not know Alec Campbell and Com- 
pany — they were far more sensitive to criticism, and much 
less sensible than he thought: when Jacob Hawse reached 
their counting-house, he found the Captain already sen- 
tenced — the Press had done its vicious work — Colburn was 
moribund, and Hawse had only to order the shroud and 
prepare the obsequies. He found the owners furious 
over the undesirable notoriety given their firm and ship — 
entirely prepared to believe anything of the man who 
brought it upon them. It was therefore with ease that his 
delicate insinuations at Colburn 's incompetency had their 
full effect: indeed it was with commiseration — rather 
excusing him — that Hawse spoke of his unfitness for the 
sea ; but there was the ship — ocular proof of bad seaman- 
ship and insubordination. All this — intimated by skil- 
ful innuendo, settled Colburn 's fate. But they mustn't 
think he, Hawse, wanted to injure the Captain; he felt 
sorry for him; let them investigate for themselves — send a 
man on board under guise of wanting to ship: let him go 
freely among the men and ask their opinion about the state 
of affairs. One member of the firm caught at this straw 
to quiet his scruples before adjudging summary dismissal. 
And so it was decided that one of the clerks in the office 
should perform this duty. The result may as well be 
anticipated and stated here: over night, Hawse had thor- 
oughly primed those of the crew who were in his toils with 
what they should say; these men, and only these, were con- 
spicuous when the fictitious aspirant for sea service came 



430 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

on board; the men that Hawse was not so sure of were 
kept well out of the way on work aloft, so that the gullible 
clerk was filled to the gorge with all that lying tongues 
could utter against the Captain. He returned and made 
his report: that settled the qualms of the self-styled con- 
scientious member — Colburn should go as soon as he was 
able to leave his berth. 

To return to the Captain when his whilom passengers 
visited him: the Doctor saw that unless he could get some 
sleep, his condition might become serious — he was in a 
frenzy of indignation; the newspaper articles so grossly 
distorted his every act and turned them so skillfully to his 
disadvantage, that he could but exclaim, " O the injustice 
of the thing! to think that man could lie so! or that God 
should let him live after doing it!" Colburn was verging 
on insanity. The Doctor gave him a mild sleeping potion, 
and after seeing that it began to have effect (his exhausted 
condition aiding in bringing on quiet), he and the others 
took their departure, leaving instructions with the steward 
how to care for him. 

Hawse returned to the ship in high spirits, and was more 
gracious to the men than ever before; his geniality was so 
exuberant that he bestowed smiles on even those that never 
had such from him. 

And so a few days passed: Doctor Austin came every 
day to watch the patient, and on the fourth, he told North- 
rup and Brooks that the Captain would soon be able to 
come on deck. As each had matters to engage his atten- 
tion for some time, they decided to go together on the fol- 
lowing day and bid Colburn farewell. The question came 
up again — should they tell the Captain of the facts pointing 
to Hawse as the author of the disaster ? They went care- 



Judas Gets his Reward 431 

fully over the whole ground, and saw no reason to change 
their first decision; but if anything should come to Colburn 
through the machinations of Hawse, they would consult 
further as to their course. Meanwhile, they would attend 
to their own affairs — the ship would unload and take on 
new cargo — the Mate would find another ship (for they 
knew from Colburn that both would never again sail 
together) — and at the end of a week they would go and 
bid the Captain a final farewell. 

During three days Hawse had not seen the Captain once, 
although he made the most earnest enquiries several times 
of both Doctor Austin and the steward as to the progress 
of his ailment, and his probable recovery. They could 
not understand this solicitude on the part of one so hostile 
at all other times. It soon came out: on the fifth day, 
Colburn — haggard, pale and weak — came on deck, and 
told Hawse, who was there, to have a boat ready for him, 
that he was going to see the owners. 

"O that is not at all necessary," said the Mate with a 
supercilious sneer, as he drew an envelope from a side 
pocket and handed it to the Captain. 

Colburn opened it and found a curt note from the firm 
of Alec Campbell and Company discharging him without 
a word of regret, farewell, or explanation; and enclosing 
a check for his pay up to the day of arrival. It stunned 
him — he looked at Hawse, who said with scorn : 

''And now, Mr. Colburn, I'll have a boat for you in a 
moment, and I want you to get out of this ship at once — 
I'm Captain now." 

"I shall go when I'm ready; but until I do go, you keep 
a very civil tongue in your head; or, by Heavens, I'll 
strangle you on this deck at the first word — you black- 



432 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

hearted coward!" Then he went below and packed his 
trunks. 

Meanwhile, the Mate had all hands called aft on the 
quarter deck, and read a letter from the owners of the 
ship appointing him to the command. He read it in a 
firm, authoritative tone; and when done, one of the meek- 
est of his toadies proposed three cheers for Captain Hawse: 
they were given, but — like the actors' claque — with a 
forced rather than a hearty utterance. It pandered to 
the new Captain's vanity, however; and with a condescend- 
ing wave of the hand he motioned to them that that would 
do — they should go forward. 

With an airy strut and expansive manner, he paced up 
and down the poop until the boat was ready, with Col- 
burn's baggage in it. Then he called the quartermaster 
and said, " Go and tell Mr. Colburn the boat is waiting for 
him." Colburn came out of the cabin and went toward 
the gangway: he went alone — unaccompanied; and there 
is nothing so indicative of utter isolation and loneliness, as 
this spectacle of the late commander of a ship leaving it 
without any show of courtesy or good feeling on the part of 
those but a moment before subject to his orders. Hawse 
stood on the poop like a bronze statue, his arms folded, 
gazing fixedly at the crew gathered some distance forward 
of the gangway, many snickering, others indifferent. The 
eyes of Hawse were upon them, and if any felt like saying 
good bye to the late Captain, he was deterred by the dis- 
pleasure it would cause the new one. Hawse meant that 
Colburn should leave with all the indignity he could heap 
upon him — the latter took in the situation at a glance when 
he came on deck — and with a sore heart, but firm tread, he 
walked alone to the side and got into the boat, without a 



Judas Gets his Reward 433 

word to any one or from any one : a funeral could not have 
been more sad and solemn. 

And this was the crew for which he had done so much — 
the men toward whom he was always just and often gen- 
erous, while trying to improve the degraded condition that 
years of the treatment such as the Hawses of the sea had 
fixed upon them! In the face of it, who will speak up for 
the manliness or appreciation of the sailor ? Neither trait 
certainly characterized this crew: no; rather, fawning 
cowardice streaked them all. They ended as they had 
begun — ingrates — dupes of rum and debasing manipula- 
tion — victims of their own narrow prejudices ! 

And now they quickly found out the real Hawse: they 
could scarcely believe that two such personalities could 
animate the same body — the man who had dealt out rum 
when they were wet and weary and who had been so genial 
and smiling the past few days — could this be the same 
man that now snarled and abused them, was arrogant and 
irascible; who kept them hard at work all day, nagged 
them, would listen to none of their plaints, but told each 
he could go elsewhere — that he was a worthless shirk 
anyhow, that he could get plenty of good men, Americans 
too, not such foreign riff-raff as they were — the scum of the 
sea. 

The truth was, Hawse wanted to get rid of his former 
accomplices, and took this means of making them go : some 
did go, but the Boatswain and a few others (the very ones 
Hawse most wanted to leave) still held out ; they had been a 
long time on the Wenonah, and it was not easy to get 
another good berth. But Hawse made up his mind that 
the Boatswain should go, and he set about harassing him 
with every means his vicious ingenuity could devise: the 



434 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

Boatswain was a favorite of the owners of the Wenonah, 
however — it would be hard to dislodge him, and the 
matter must be conducted cautiously, with refined cruelty. 

When Colburn left the ship, he went direct to the owners 
— he was not to be dismissed without a hearing. Arrived 
at the counting-house, he was told none of the firm was in. 
It was a lie — all were in, but they feared to face him: a 
wrong might have been done, and they were not men 
enough to right it: there are many such in the world — 
moral cowards! He went away, saying he would return. 
He did; another excuse — they were too busy with some 
matters and could not see him. And so on for four suc- 
cessive days — lie, evasion, subterfuge of every kind, to 
escape the wrath of a man inflamed by injustice. 

It was not so much that he wanted to get back to the 
Wenonah — though that would be a gratification in any 
event, and especially so in view of the circumstances under 
which he left the ship — but he wanted to right himself 
in the minds of Alec Campbell and Company: they had 
no right to put such a stigma upon him, and he intended 
to use every means in his power to remove it. Five days 
had passed since his discharge, and yet he had not seen 
any of the owners : on his last visit he was impudently told 
by one of the clerks that he need not come any more; 
that the members of the firm didn't want to see him; and 
further, that if he persisted in annoying them, they would 
call in the police and have him arrested. This angered 
Colburn beyond control, and he vented his feelings on the 
understrapper and his employers in hot and fiery words, 
ending with, " If ever I do return, it won't be as a suppliant 
for justice as I'm doing now; but with the means to exact 
it"; and then he passed, as he thought, forever from sight of 



Judas Gets his Reward 435 

all connection with the Wenonah. He returned to his 
lodging to think over the situation: one fact was clear — 
he must seek employment of some kind at once; he could 
not afford to waste his little ready money in idleness, 
merely to find means of righting the injustice done him: 
that might suggest itself during the course of his search, but 
the essential thing now was to hunt up a means of liveli- 
hood : perhaps he could find a vessel going to California — 
he would take any billet on her in order to get out there. 
Full of this idea, he sallied forth, and what befell him will 
be recounted in the next chapter. 



CHAPTER XXIV 

The Web of Perfidy Exposed and Rent 

My business in this state 
Made me a looker-on here in Vienna, 
Where I have seen corruption boil and bubble 
Till it o'er-run the stew. 

— Shakspere. 

A few days after Colburn was dismissed from the 
Wenonah, he was seated on a bench near the Farragut 
statue in Madison Square, apparently watching some little 
birds pecking at a crust of bread ; but in reality looking at 
nothing in particular: his mind was intent on some matter 
of far more importance than the meal of a flock of birds. 

The weather was delightful — a typical June day in 
New York — genial and balmy: a heavy rain the night 
before had cleared the air, cleansed the streets, and 
freshened the foliage, so that everything was bright and 
conducive to happy feelings ; while a flock of gleesome birds 
twittering in the branches gave a merry touch to the scene. 
But Colburn was oblivious of all this — he was absorbed 
in sad thoughts: for three days he had sought employ- 
ment, but without success; and now he was revolving in 
his mind which direction the next quest should take, when 
a cheery voice, full of friendliness, startled him: 

"Good morning, Captain! This is indeed a pleasure, 
and a surprise also to meet you here: I presume you are 

436 



The Web of Perfidy Exposed 437 

laying in a supply of these fresh odors against the salty air 
you will soon have to breathe — when do you sail ?" The 
speaker was Northrup, on his way to luncheon at the 
restaurant on the opposite corner of Fifth Avenue. 

" I shall sail," answered Colburn rising and grasping the 
extended hand, " when I can get a ship : I was discharged 
from the Wenonah four days ago — Hawse is captain now." 

"The scoundrel! — so his plot succeeded," muttered 
Northrup between his teeth. " I want to hear about that, 
Captain: it is my lunch hour — you must come and we'll 
have it together." 

They entered the restaurant, took seats at a secluded 
table, and Northrup ordered a substantial meal. 

" What reason did the owners give ?" 

"None — I didn't see them. They sent me a letter by 
Hawse, telling me I was discharged and to turn the com- 
mand over to him. I went at once to their office, but they 
wouldn't see me: I went again and again, but couldn't get 
to them. Ever since, I've been looking for a ship, but 
without success." 

" It is a dastardly piece of work," said Northrup. " Tell 
me — what was the primary cause of the Mate's animosity 
toward you ?" 

"Well, an accident disabled me temporarily for sea 
service — I was ashore a year. I got employment in San 
Francisco as dock master for the Wenonah line — to attend 
to the berthing, discharging, and lading of the ships. 
When the Wenonah was ready to sail, the captain fell 
suddenly ill. The command was offered to me; I didn't 
seek it, and indeed should have been content to remain 
where I was a few months longer; but the billet was a good 
one, and I was glad to get it. 



438 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

" The First Mate had expected it, and naturally thought 
I cut him out: this started the trouble. I told him the 
truth, however; but either he did not believe me, or was so 
full of resentment that it made no difference. 

" I decided to act so that he should feel the disappoint- 
ment as little as possible. I told him my views regarding 
the management of affairs, and then let him carry them out 
as freely as was consistent with my own responsibility. 
But ere long I discovered that what I thought a concession, 
was already his — even more, that his personality per- 
vaded everything on board: in a word, that he was Cap- 
tain. Naturally, I couldn't let that go on; and the meas- 
ures I took to assert my own authority only intensified his 
enmity. Although not a meddler in the domain of my 
subordinates, still I believe in exercising such supervision 
as will ensure my views being carried out and leave no 
doubt as to who is Captain of the ship. 

"Soon, I detected many little deceits in Hawse, which 
made me gradually cut off my frank speech with him; 
this angered him the more. Why, under my very eyes 
while he had the deck, he frequently acted so as to defeat 
the success of a manoeuvre; or did it purposely wrong to 
discredit me : he is an excellent seaman — the crew knew it — 
they couldn't believe him guilty of lubberly work — so the 
natural inference was, that as I must be directing it, the 
unseamanlike procedure was mine." 

"And why didn't you stop that right then and there?" 
asked Northrup with some asperity; for he had always in 
mind the greater villainy of Hawse, and was all the more 
indignant that his evil course had not been cut off at first. 

Colburn was a little surprised at his tone, but attributing 
it to interest, decided to answer fully and frankly. 



The Web of Perfidy Exposed 439 

" I cannot give you a simple and direct answer: the ques- 
tion involves considerations which I will state, if you would 
like to hear them." 

"I certainly would," said Northrup with emphasis. 

" Well, then, an insubordinate officer can sail very close 
to the wind without being caught aback; and Hawse is as 
skillful in this as he is in handling a ship. Many acts that 
you see, you judge deserving of severe punishment; but let 
them be told you, and you think them scarcely worthy of 
notice. It is the look — the tone of voice — the gesture, 
that give sting to the act; and these cannot be described: 
and it is in the use of these that Hawse is an adept. 

"I need not tell you — a man of large experience of 
human wiles — what the stock in trade of the demagogue is : 
patriotism of the spectacular kind, maudlin sentiments 
that inflame the populace, simulated sympathy for the 
lowly and oppressed, catch words, taking phrases — all 
hollow and insincere; and used solely to gain the good will 
of the multitude, or incite their animosity toward whomso- 
ever the cunning fox would direct his hatred. Well, the 
demagogue exists at sea, also: he is the man who affects 
solicitude for the sailor — his rights by law, his comforts by 
custom, his privileges by long habit; he talks as much to 
the gallery as ever representative did in legislative chamber : 
he is a fine fellow with the men — they'll do anything for 
him, go anywhere with him — generally, not always; for 
sometimes keen witted sailors see through this shamming, 
and have only contempt for the officer who practises it. 
Now, Hawse is a sea demagogue of the first rank : he knows 
every vein of thought, every turn of speech, every act, that 
will bias or prejudice a sailor; and he is as skilled as he is 
unscrupulous in using them. Such a man is a ferment of 



440 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

evil on board ship : his listeners are prone to prejudice and 
suspicion — morbidly jealous of all that belongs to them, 
and easily worked up to a raw condition regarding any 
slight, or injury, or infringement of their privileges. 

"If I should recount his treacheries in justification of 
the only punishment adequate to the offense, I should 
be flouted — thought too harsh, and unduly jealous of the 
authority so recently acquired. If I reduced him to sea- 
man, it would only be to plant a constant instigator of evil 
in the midst of the crew. If I discharged him at Callao, 
how should I fare with the owners ? They knew Hawse — 
he had been long in their sevice: they did not know me — 
I have never seen them ; and in view of their recent action, 
I should get short shrift when brought into conflict with 
Hawse's backing; for you must know that at sea as well as 
on shore the power behind one counts for much. 

"But you will say, this should not influence me in the 
exercise of duty; true, only all the circumstances must be 
weighed to determine what that duty is: there is a duty to 
oneself as well as to exterior interests. Looking back now 
with the experience I've had, if the thing were to be done 
over again, I should not hesitate a moment: I would put 
him ashore at the first port after he committed the deed. 

"I grant that at the time I did not appreciate the ser- 
iousness of the conduct I was overlooking; and that I 
lacked the determination to be adequately severe in gross 
cases — this was a weakness: I was loth to begin my com- 
mand with extreme action; and besides, what I should do, 
would seem tyrannical and perhaps bring on greater 
trouble than I sought to correct. 

"I was on very thin ice, and one must consider the 
weakness of his footing. 



The Web of Perfidy Exposed 441 

"Moreover, I hoped that patience and considerate 
treatment would bring all things right in time; and this 
kept luring me on — closing my eyes to many things I should 
have looked at with clear vision and rectified on the spur 
of the moment : this I now recognize was a mistake. 

" Hawse has the nature of a cur — fawning when pleased, 
snarling when the expected bone is not forthcoming; and 
like the cur, too, he often needs the harsh word to cow him 
into submission. 

"But remember, I am speaking now from a retrospect 
of all that occurred; and that on the Wenonah I was for 
the first time in a position where I had to act on my own 
judgment, without the benefit of another's point of view. 

"Now, natures that are not largely made up of pride 
and self sufficiency, and that, moreover, have not acquired 
by actual dealing with certain affairs that surety and 
facility of action which comes from practice — but, like 
new machinery, must be ground down by oiling and much 
running — such natures, I say, appear to disadvantage when 
contrasted with those who feel the ground firm beneath 
them. Naturally, among my new duties and on a ship new 
to me, there were at first some matters in which I was not 
as ready with the decisive word and act as one familiar 
with the situation; or as one might affect to be, and there 
are these, too — all knowing persons who assume what often 
passes for knowledge and real executive ability. But I 
have the consciousness of having groped my way cautiously 
— thought out every case carefully, and decided as best I 
knew how. 

" Hawse saw his opportunity : he made up a story of all 
the incidents of the voyage, but so magnified and colored 
as to hide completely the little truth forming the founda- 



442 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

tion. This is what the newspapers have served up to their 
readers — what Alec Campbell and Company have acted 
upon — and what prevents me getting another ship. 

"There! you have my answer, or rather the considera- 
tions that arose whenever the question came up of setting 
the First Mate ashore." 

Northrup lost not a word of the recital. 

When the meal was over — in reality little had been 
eaten — Northrup arose and said : " Captain, I must now 
ask you to excuse me. I have a matter that needs my 
immediate attention; but I wish you would come to my 
office to-morrow — can you be there at ten o'clock ?" 

"Certainly," said Colburn, as he took the card with the 
office address. When Northrup reached his office, he 
wrote a hasty note to Brooks and the Doctor, telling them 
of Colburn 's latest misfortune, and asking them to come 
to his office the next day at nine — Brooks to bring the 
articles connected with the dismasting of the Wenonah: 
he had taken them with him on leaving the ship. These 
notes despatched, he proceeded direct to the counting- 
house of Alec Campbell and Company. 

John Northrup, besides being a lawyer of repute in 
general practice, was especially so in important Admirality 
cases: he was therefore well known in the maritime com- 
munity. In addition, his wealth was largely invested in 
oceiin traffic: he held stock in some companies, was 
director in others, and part owner of single ships: he knew 
the trade of the sea in all its ramifications. He was known 
as a man of solid worth and integrity; and it was therefore 
with gratification that the owners of the Wenonah received 
a visit from such a member of the community — it flattered 
them. 




John Northrup, Lawyer 



The Web of Perfidy Exposed 443 

Northrup came at once to the object of his visit — spoke 
of the agreeable voyage he had in their ship, his chance 
meeting with Captain Colburn that morning, and the 
deep regret he felt at his dismissal. 

"Yes," said Mr. Campbell, the senior member of the 
firm: "we had to do it. Although highly recommended 
to us, still his conduct on the Wenonah does not bear out 
his reputation. Even as early as his arrival at Callao, he 
showed qualities that unfitted him for the command. We 
heard of his actions from that place, and again from Sandy 
Point, through a clerk of ours who received letters from a 
friend on board. Why, if it had not been for the First 
Mate, the ship would have gone down in a gale off the 
coast of Patagonia. Colburn seems to have been a vac- 
illating person — afraid to carry sail — always dreading a 
storm or disaster of some kind : a man who practised petty 
tyrannies on the crew, and was otherwise so unfitted to 
command, that I wonder how those who recommended 
him could be mistaken in him — " 

"They were not" firmly interposed Northrup; "and 
whoever imposed upon you the estimate you have ex- 
pressed, is a cowardly slanderer." He rose as he spoke, 
his face full of indignation. 

Campbell was astonished at this outburst: he realized 
that he had to do with a warm defender of Colburn — 
perhaps he had been unjust and precipitate in discharging 
him: at any rate, it would injure his own business and 
reputation to offend a man of such large interests and high 
standing in the commercial community, so he veered at 
once to the apologetic. 

" I am very sorry that I spoke so frankly about Captain 
Colburn. ..." 



444 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

"It is not your frankness that stirs me, but the gross 
injustice you have done a trustworthy and most capable 
man by hasty action on biased accounts." 

" O, as regards the haste, we have for a long time been 
thinking of this step — ever since some newspaper articles 
began to appear weeks ago censuring the management of 
the Wenonah, as reported by those on board: these articles 
hurt our business — shippers were reluctant to trust their 
goods in a vessel subject to so much adverse criticism. 

" As regards the biased accounts, we have sought infor- 
mation from various sources." 

" Have you sought it from the Captain himself ?" 

"No: he would be too biased in his own favor." 

" Well, I should like to present his side of the case : I 
think you will find it of the utmost importance to hear it; 
and I should want to state it in the presence of both the 
Captain himself and Mr. Hawse — could it be arranged for 
to-morrow at eleven o'clock?" 

" Certainly : we shall be glad to hear you then or at any 
other time; and we shall have Hawse here, as you wish." 

Northrup took his departure to prepare his brief as 
counsel for the defence, albeit wholly unknown to the 
defendant himself. When evening came and he was alone 
with a cigar amidst the comforts of his bachelor apart- 
ment, his thoughts ran on in this wise : 

" A man's reputation is a fabric of too delicate a texture 
to be handled in the dark: years are passed in building it 
up, and every attempt to destroy it should be open to 
repulse : accuser and accused should be brought together — 
every witness summoned before the same tribunal, and the 
inner workings of each laid bare by the most rigid cross- 
examination. 



The Web of Perfidy Exposed 445 

" Colburn is a man of intelligence and integrity; they are 
his inheritance, but he has not let them lie dormant. On 
the contrary, he has cultivated and used both — he has 
acquired all the technical knowledge his profession calls 
for, and has done his utmost in this ship to lift the miserable 
material he had, out of the ruck in which others have sunk 
it. And as he has done on the Wenonah, so I believe him 
to have done during his many years at sea : a man does not 
radically change his methods in mature life at some casual 
turn in his career. 

" No ; he could not have acquired a reputation for hon- 
esty, zeal, and capacity among those who were his asso- 
ciates without those qualities being salient: they are right- 
fully his possession — a capital which he should be able to 
rely upon for future undertakings; they constitute a guar- 
antee to those who may employ him that they will be faith- 
fully and intelligently served. His character and reputa- 
tion, then, are things of real value — the acquisition of 
thirty years' effort. If he had devoted this time to heap- 
ing up gold, this material evidence of labor would be no 
more actually a possession than reputation and character — 
the money is but the concrete evidence of work which even 
the veriest dullard can see, while reputation is the intan- 
gible possession which only the intelligent can appreciate. 
For a man to be stripped of his treasure in one fell swoop 
by the masked robber, or to be reduced to want and hard- 
ship in an instant by fire — this is an affliction which we 
deeply feel, and we sympathize with the sufferer; but the 
loss of reputation — is this a calamity that excites great 
sorrow ? 

" And yet it is not the capital alone in this case that goes : 
the man who loses his wealth only, has still his hands to 



446 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

labor with, and his mind to devise; and both are aided by 
the sympathy of friends as well as by their material re- 
sources : but the man with ruined reputation — what has he 
left to work with? The faculties on which he depended 
are discredited : where will Captain Colburn turn to-day to 
ask for a ship, with every quality that should entitle him 
to it, blackened ? At his age, the capacity and ambition 
to learn a new occupation are weakened; and he is shut 
out from the old one. Through any fault of his? Not 
at all : quite the contrary — because of the thoroughness with 
which he performed his duty, and because of the perversion 
of his every act by a jealous rival. And his employers ? 
Almost as bad. They should have given some weight to 
the good repute borne by him. Ill repute is always held 
up against its unfortunate possessor — he cannot ask for 
work, but it rises to bar employment; he cannot enter the 
witness box, but it stands up to discredit him : not an effort 
does he make, but it is there to thwart him. 

" And to some extent, this is just. It is his own making — 
he did the deed that burdened him with the bad reputation. 

" Per contra, why should not the good that one has done, 
count equally in his favor? — even more so; for the good 
is difficult of performance — we are prone to evil rather than 
to good. No; Colburn was entitled to all the considera- 
tion his well spent life should have guaranteed for him. 
Alec Campbell and Company had no right to discharge 
him without adequate cause: discharge meant putting a 
stigma on his reputation, and this they had no moral right 
to do. Perhaps legally they could not be held account- 
able — some of the most heinous crimes are beyond the pale 
of human enactment; but they are none the less infractions 
of the code of equity established by God. 



The Web of Perfidy Exposed 447 

" Hawse set the knife and placed the victim — Campbell 
and Company committed the deed; but I will rescue Col- 
burn from this nest of vipers." 

The next morning, Brooks and the Doctor were at 
Northrup's office at the appointed time. 

"This is a terrible blow to Colburn," said Brooks: 
" I can appreciate its force better than you: it is far worse 
than if either of you were ostracised in your profession. 
You could go elsewhere and start practice anew — but 
where will he go ? Wherever ships sail — there, will this 
scandal pursue him and kill his prospects; for there is a 
particular pleasure in spreading the malicious gossip of 
the sea. It will be told in every forecastle and on every 
quarter-deck — how Colburn managed the Wenonah and 
was fired for it: and then there will be a chuckle and 
snicker, all forgetting that Colburn 's misfortune of to-day 
may be theirs of to-morrow; and that it is only a fortuitous 
circumstance — the mere absence of a Hawse from among 
them, and his presence with Colburn, that saved them 
from wreck and brought ruin upon the man they laugh at!" 

"What you say is most true," said Northrup: "few 
realize how much either of good or of bad is purely a 
matter of chance, without anything in their own conduct 
to bring it about. I see you have the instruments of evil 
with you" — glancing at the package in his hand. 

"Yes, and I heartily wish they were instruments of 
torture to wring anguish from the heart of the scoundrel 
that used them!" 

" Well, you may have that pleasure," answered Northrup 
with a smile. 

"What do you intend to do?" queried Brooks eagerly. 

"I have formulated a little plan, but it is liable to 



448 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

modification, so I will let it unfold itself in the execution. 
Colburn will be here in a few minutes, and then we will 
all go to the counting house of Alec Campbell and Com- 
pany. Our old friend Hawse is to be there, and I hope 
this will be the last scene we shall have to act with him. 
But here is Colburn — not a word about the contents of that 
package." 

"Good morning, Captain," said all cheerily, grasping 
his hand in turn. They did not indulge in the insincerity 
of saying, "You're looking well" — that stereotyped lie of 
silly politeness; nor, "I am sorry for your misfortune" — 
that other fatuous phrase which only irritates by its hollow- 
ness. No: these were men who had too deep a regard for 
one another to degrade the feeling by hackneyed words 
of any kind. What they said, or did, came from the heart 
— full of earnestness and meaning. 

Colburn, in truth, looked wretched — worn and worried: 
another refusal of employment the day before, after leav- 
ing Northrup, and a second that very morning before 
arrival, filled him with the despair that was reflected in 
his face. 

All engaged in commonplace remarks such as occupy a 
gathering while waiting for the event that brought them 
together. Finally Northrup said : 

"Time is up — let us move on the enemy!" 

Colburn looked an enquiry, and Northrup added: 
"Captain, yesterday after leaving you, I went to Alec 
Campbell and Company's, and mortgaged their time for 
eleven o'clock to-day — let us now proceed to foreclose: 
I have a brief to read to them." 

"But they won't receive me," objected Colburn. 

"O, yes they will: I made that a sine qua non of the 



The Web of Perfidy Exposed 449 

pact." And off they started, Northrup lightsome of 
speech and manner which was strangely out of keeping with 
the mood of the others. 

The repairs to the Wenonah were hastening to com- 
pletion, and a cargo had been secured — almost enough to 
load the ship; but these gratifying facts were dashed by 
the turn of affairs on board — it greatly worried the owners : 
seamen were scarce and hard to ship, so that Alec Camp- 
bell and Company decided to retain their crew; but the 
men would not stay. One after another asked for dis- 
charge; and only that very morning when Northrup and 
his companions went to see the Firm, the latter received a 
letter from old Gower, the Boatswain, asking to be paid 
off. 

They sent for Hawse and Gower, and were discussing 
the situation with them when our party arrived. The 
shipowners greeted Northrup cordially, who introduced 
the Doctor, Captain, and Brooks. Mutual salutations 
followed, except on the part of Colburn, who would only 
bow to his former employers: the man with deeply injured 
feelings does not simulate gladness at sight of him who in- 
flicted the wound. Hawse and Gower had withdrawn 
a little when the others came in, but our party now per- 
ceiving them, went up to old Gower and shook his hand 
with hearty pleasure: to Hawse, they merely said " Good 
morning"; but Colburn omitted even that — how could he 
with any self respect extend a friendly recognition to the 
man who had done him so much wrong ? Hawse, on the 
other hand eyed Colburn with a supercilious stare, full 
of triumph: nevertheless, he felt ill at ease — there was 
something boding in this party with Northrup at their 
head. Hawse tried to conciliate this gentleman, by step- 



450 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

ping toward him with an effusive air, as if to shake hands, 
but Northrup arrested him with such a forbidding look 
that his boldness was checked. 

The preliminaries being over, and all having taken seats, 
the head of the Firm said: "Mr. Northrup, you accused 
us yesterday of having acted without sufficient evidence 
in the case of Captain Colburn — please read these"; and 
he handed to Northrup the letters written by Hawse from 
Callao and Sandy Point to his friend Bain, the contents 
of which are already known to the reader. " Read aloud, 
so that your friends also may know our justification." 

As Northrup began, Hawse flushed scarlet; and when 
the writer became known by reading out the signature, 
all eyes turned upon him with such scorn and contempt, 
that it was pitiable to see him writhe under their scrutiny: 
rage, humiliation, and disappointment swept in alternate 
redness and pallor across his face. He never intended 
those letters to come to light — they were to instil their 
poison in the dark; and here, in the full presence of him 
they most defamed, and of those who could easily refute 
them, his friend Bain and his employer had treacherously 
betrayed him, to clear themselves. When the last letter 
was finished, the late Captain and passengers of the 
Wenonah looked at one another in dumb amazement: 
then Brooks found speech — " What a diabolical perversion 
of facts!" 

Northrup said : " Mr. Campbell, it would be a reflection 
on your intelligence for me to suppose you laid any great 
stress on these letters : the falsity pervading them is scarcely 
veiled: I wonder that you offer them as a reason for 
influencing your action. However, let me say a word 
on some of the incidents they misrepresent. 



The Web of Perfidy Exposed 451 

" As for vacillation and incompetency on the part of the 
Captain, fear of storms, timidity about carrying sail, dread 
of disaster, and disregard of the men's comforts — they are 
one and all such monstrous lies, that I can only stigmatize 
them as such; and their author knows that I but speak the 
truth. 

"In every critical situation during the voyage — and 
especially in the gale off Patagonia — Mr. Hawse, excellent 
seaman that he is, could not have managed better than 
Captain Colburn did — in fact, Mr. Hawse's judgment 
(in my opinion) would have decided him to do exactly 
what the Captain did. 

" I had heard so much about the scenery of the Patagon- 
ian Channels that I remained on deck to enjoy it every 
hour the ship was underway. 

"The Captain always got the vessel under way himself 
at early dawn, and remained on the bridge with charts, 
sailing directions, and other aids to navigation — piloting 
her until she was at anchor again for the night: probably 
twenty minutes each day the Mate relieved him for 
luncheon. 

"Knowing my interest in the scenery, the Captain 
invited me to a seat beside him on the bridge, and pointed 
out every prominent peak, headland, glacier, or passage, 
as he picked them out from the charts. I wondered he 
could do it so accurately, as he had never been there 
before; but he told me that he had studied everything 
pertaining to that inland navigation so closely on the way 
down from Callao, that it seemed almost familiar to him. 

"We had good weather, as a rule, in the Channels: 
in the most dangerous part, however, the English Narrows, 
it was misty; we passed through according to the Captain's 



452 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

previous calculation of slack water, and not in any mad 
rush of the tide, and with none of the stage effect stated 
by Mr. Hawse. In Mayne Channel it became thick and 
squally, and we had to turn into Otter Bay where we rode 
out a moderate gale — weather-bound for twenty hours. 

"During the whole voyage, I had frequent occasion — 
we all had — to ask the Captain about matters pertaining 
to the sea: winds, currents, storms, barometric indications, 
deviations of the compass, seamanship, and the astronomi- 
cal facts on which navigation rests ; and upon all these and 
many other matters he gave us such concise, clear, and 
intelligent explanations, and made use of such appropriate 
illustrations, that even to our lay minds, they were easily 
intelligible, and showed him to be a man of solid attain- 
ments. 

"He was always on deck in bad weather, and at other 
times had a keen eye on the conduct of affairs. While 
considerate for the men, he had good discipline — we felt 
there was a firm hand at the helm — a man who made no 
display nor extolled either his own importance or what he 
had to do. 

"In contrast with this, the First Mate was prone to 
speak of nautical matters with an oracular tone, as if 
uttering a prophecy : to us it seemed more the talk of a man 
to make himself prominent — chiefly for effect. His sneers 
at the Captain's management of affairs, and his deceitful, 
disloyal thrusts, we despised, but gave no heed to. 

" I think my fellow passengers will bear me out in what 
I have said ?" turning to Brooks and the Doctor. 

"Yes," said the latter, speaking for both; "only that it 
is all too moderately put." 

"And I can say," spoke up old Gower from his corner, 



The Web of Perfidy Exposed 453 

"that every word Mr. Northrup says, and much more of 
the same sort, is true." 

"Then why," asked Mr. Campbell, "didn't you say 
so to the reporters and the man I sent aboard for the pur- 
pose of finding out the state of affairs from the crew ?" 

"Why? Because I got no chance. The Mate, he 
filled up some men with rum all the way from Monte- 
video — they'd do anything for him. He fixed these men, 
so when the newspaper reporters and your man came on 
board, they saw only those who were told what to say: 
the rest of us were kept out of the way. When Captain 
Colburn left the ship, the Mate went back on us — he got 
sour on us all; and that's why we're leaving, if you want 
to know it, Mr. Campbell. We can't stand the Mate." 

"And you shall not. Mr. Hawse, you are no longer in 
our service. Captain Colburn, we acted on false testi- 
mony, you see: we will give you back the Wenonah — you 
can take command to-day." 

" Neither to-day, nor ever again, Mr. Campbell. Thirty 
years of sea going has given me something of a reputation 
in the shipping community, and you employed me on that 
reputation without ever having seen me. You discharged 
me on lying reports without even a hearing: worse, you 
insulted me through a youngster in your office, threatening 
to have me arrested when I only sought to have my side 
heard — me, a man past fifty, who held a commission in 
the Navy, and served throughout the Civil War, and com- 
manded one of your ships, to be humiliated by an under- 
strapper whose highest employment is to copy routine 
letters! But you receive Mr. Northrup to state my case: 
he could not do it more accurately than I. You fear his 
importance and influence in this city, however; you dare 



454 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

not show anything but courtesy to him, but you chose to 
treat me with contumely, because you didn't think I had any 
backing. It was therefore only the power — the standing 
of this gentleman that made you listen and learn of the 
lies told you about me, and through which (but for him) 
a lasting injury would be done me: I might continue to 
seek a ship and never get one, but for the chance meeting 
with him yesterday; and on such a slight thread did my 
career hang ! 

"The injustice you've done me is outrageous in a man 
occupying the position you do, where you can inflict the 
same on others. Take command from you again ? 
Never! Nor will any other self respecting captain." 

"Spoken like a man," said Northrup, turning toward 
him; "and I can promise you that ere many weeks you 
shall have a finer ship than the Wenonah, with more pay." 

Colburn spoke with such anger and vehemence that all 
present could only look and listen : Campbell made motions 
as if to interrupt him, but Colburn kept right on — the flow 
of injured feelings was finding vent in hot words that 
nothing could stop. 

Hawse, deeming his presence no longer necessary or 
desirable, moved toward the door and said : " Mr. Camp- 
bell, if you will give the order to pay me, I'll leave at once." 

" One moment, Mr. Hawse," said Northrup, intercepting 
him : " I have placed Captain Colburn in his proper light — 
I wish to do the same with you." 

"You needn't trouble yourself — I'm all right," retorted 
Hawse. 

"But I insist," responded Northrup; and Hawse saw 
he was cornered and would have to stay and listen. All 
the others turned to Northrup, wondering what he was 



The Web of Perfidy Exposed 455 

going to say. "Mr. Hawse, you will recall a little dis- 
course I held in the Straits of Magellan — you were present. 
The subject was Treachery and Slander. It was not the 
outburst of the moment, as might be thought from the way 
it was thrust upon the audience; but was deliberately 
planned by Mr. Brooks and myself, and every word of it 
was aimed specifically at you. We saw that the frequent 
slurs you cast upon the Captain were discrediting him with 
the crew, and inciting them to insubordination; and we 
hoped to stem the practise by the means I took — to open 
your eyes to the gravity of what you were doing." 

Hawse was getting fidgety and impatient to go. 

" Worse than that has since occurred," continued North- 
rup: this gave a violent start to the Mate and brought a 
flush to his face, both of which Northrup didn't fail to 
notice. " These letters that you wrote and the instructions 
you gave the crew to lie about the events of the voyage, are 
all highly defamatory of Captain Colburn : they have been 
publicly put forth — published in the daily papers; they 
lost him his place; they blighted his reputation — and 
would have wrecked his life, if we, these gentlemen and 
I, were not here to expose their falsity. You committed 
the deed — we are witnesses to the fact, and under the law 
you are liable to criminal prosecution for defamation of 
character, besides being liable for damages : it rests entirely 
with Captain Colburn to bring suit for the latter, and it 
may be my duty to report the libel to the District Attorney 
for his action." 

During this arraignment, Hawse recovered somewhat 
from the fright he showed at its beginning — he expected 
something else. 

Again Northrup went on: "We now approach the 



456 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

catastrophe of this plot. Some disastrous event must 
occur to ruin the Captain — something visible, tangible, 
that could be pointed to as evidence of incompetency and 
bad seamanship. It came — the ship was dismasted: 
how did it occur? Mr. Brooks and I went among the 
men and asked how they explained it: their answers were 
singularly accordant, and all identical with that given by 
you, Mr. Hawse : the origin of the explanation was evident, 
and Brooks could not refrain from telling you how silly 
that explanation was. From other sources we gleaned odd 
bits of evidence regarding the accident: from the Captain 
we could get nothing, more than that the topmast rigging 
lost its support through the spider band giving way; but 
there, all explanation stopped — how did it give way? 
I have pieced the various shreds of evidence together and 
am now prepared to answer that question — Brooks, will 
you open that package and lay out its contents on the 
table ?" While Northrup addressed the request to Brooks, 
his eyes were fixed on Hawse, whom he saw shudder and 
turn red as if from an apoplectic stroke. 

Northrup resumed: "During the middle watch of the 
night preceding the disaster, a man left the poop and went 
aloft on the main; he was provided with that monkey 
wrench and a can of acid ; he poured the acid on the nut of 
the bolt that held the jaws of the band together, in order to 
loosen the rust that stuck it tight; then he wrenched out 
the pin that kept the nut in place — unscrewed the nut a 
few turns — laid down from aloft — went below and turned 
in, leaving the rolling of the ship to do the rest: and that 
man was you, Jacob Hawse!" 

" It's a lie! — it was not me." 

"Softly, Mr. Hawse — no harsh words: if I accuse 



The Web of Perfidy Exposed 457 

you wrongfully, I will render ample reparation." 

"You shall give me satisfaction," shouted Hawse with 
bravado — all in a tremble and alternately white and red. 

"Now, gentlemen," continued Northrup; " examine the 
articles and be satisfied that the wreck was brought about 
in the way I have described." All did so, and agreed that 
it was. 

"Well, the punishment for the miscreant that did the 
deed — who will destroy, or try to destroy a vessel on the 
high seas — is, by statute of the United States, death! 

"Sam Ruggles lent you the acid and monkey wrench, 
and Carlo Castanguolo saw you leave the poop and go 
forward. Finally, and once more, with full realization 
of the gravity of the charge, I say you are the man who 
caused the disaster. There are many witnesses here to my 
assertion — you can summon them all: if I have accused 
you falsely, you have an excellent case against me for 
slander: you can recover damages, and I can be sent to 
prison: there's my card and address — employ a lawyer — 
bring suit for defamation of character — that's your repara- 
tion." 

"By Heaven, I shall; and that soon!" roared Hawse as 
he rushed from the room. 

Consternation was in the faces of Colburn, old Gower, 
and the owners of the Wenonah as they gazed at the articles 
on the table: Colburn muttered under his breath, "And 
to think that all this time I was carrying along with me a 
man who could do that deed!" Then aloud: "But, Mr. 
Northrup, are you not risking a great deal in this accusa- 
tion ?" 

" O no," said Northrup with a smile: " neither you nor I 
will see more of Jacob Hawse. He did the deed but has 



458 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

cunningly escaped under guise of seeking redress for the 
injury he would have us believe I did him." 

"Mr. Northrup," said Alec Campbell, "if you had told 
us all this on arrival of the ship, it would have saved us 
and others the trouble that has come upon us." 

"I judged otherwise," answered Northrup. "The 
whole course of perfidy of the First Mate, and his final 
act in particular, is so monstrous, that it would not be 
credited by any one; and least of all by your Firm, preju- 
diced as you were by the newspaper articles and Hawse's 
letters. Your unheard of action in refusing even to see 
the Captain and hear a word in his own defense, proves 
how bitter your feelings were. Suppose I had told the 
Captain of Hawse having brought about the disaster — 
what would follow ? In his straightforward way, Captain 
Colburn would come to you (provided always you would 
receive him) and accuse the Mate. This man with all his 
brazenness would deny it more vehemently than he has 
just done: he would scout the charge with all the indigna- 
tion of innocence he can so well simulate. Captain Col- 
burn would be sued for libel, and it might go against him. 
Hawse was the subordinate, accused by the Captain — 
why? To cover up (as the Mate would assert) incom- 
petence and lubberly seamanship; and in this assertion he 
would have the sympathy of the populace and probably 
of the jury; and I can assure you that such sympathy counts 
for much in every trial. Few are the cases judged solely 
on the simple facts adduced in evidence; but the finding — 
lenient or severe — is more or less tinctured with the senti- 
ments prevalent in the community regarding the parties 
to the suit. 

" You have only to recall some notable instances of recent 



The Web of Perfidy Exposed 459 

date: one in this city, where a chorus girl shot a man to 
death in a cab, and was let off through disagreement of 
the jury, chiefly (no doubt) because of the feeling in her 
favor by a certain class in the community whose ideas of 
right and wrong are hazy at best, and who at all times are 
very emotional; and the other in Omaha, where a self 
confessed kidnapper and highwayman was cleared because 
the child he stole belonged to a member of the odious 
Beef Trust. In both cases the bias was for the criminal, 
and public morality suffered grievously thereby. But 
prejudice against the accused also arises: the influence of 
the bitter feeling among the relatives of those lost on the 
Slocum was no doubt reflected in the punishment adjudged 
her commanding officer: as reported, these relatives were in 
court 'when the verdict was announced, and seemed 
pleased at the long term of years to which' the Captain 
was sentenced; and the judge said, in passing it: 'You are 
no ordinary criminal — I must make an example of you.' 
"The technical charge on which he was found guilty, 
was 'criminal negligence in failing to maintain a system 
of fire drills on board the excursion boat General Slocum 
which was burned to the water's edge in June, 1904; and 
for this he was sentenced to ten years in Sing Sing at hard 
labor.' To be sure, the loss of life was great — more than 
a thousand persons ; and the negligence of the Captain was 
gross and deserving of severe punishment: but the vessel 
was of light, highly inflammable wood ; and a strong wind 
was blowing. The Captain might have had the most effi- 
cient fire drill ever practised, and yet been unable to save 
that mass of tinder from burning. The fire department 
of this city is considered as effective as drill and apparatus 
can make it, and yet I saw the Windsor Hotel on Fifth 



460 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

Avenue burn on a calm afternoon, with great loss of life, 
and in spite of the efforts of a host of disciplined firemen, 
numerous engines, a network of hose, and abundant water. 
Contrast this structure (mostly of brick, stone, and mortar) 
with the wooden filigree adornment of the Slocum all 
ablaze in a fierce wind with only a few raw deck hands to 
fight it! Even the judge who pronounced sentence seems 
to have had a qualm about its justice when he said that 
although 'in the opinion of others it might be deemed 
unduly harsh to pronounce sentence for the mere failure 
to have fire drills, yet he felt that the sentence of ten years 
was warranted by the letter of the law. ' 

"It was a jury of many thousands, animated by vin- 
dictive prejudice, and not the twelve men alone sworn to 
decide upon the facts stated in court, that passed upon the 
case ; and that (more or less) pass upon almost every case — 
certainly upon every one that deeply stirs the community. 
And this Public Opinion must be reckoned with, if we 
would judge aright of the chances of success in litigation. 

"Then why was the Captain alone made to suffer? 

"The owners of the Slocum should also have been 
indicted, convicted, and imprisoned: they were the men 
who provided defective hose and puny streams of water to 
extinguish a mass of kindling wood in flames : the Captain 
was only their subordinate — to do their bidding with what 
they supplied. It is an omission of justice to punish him 
only, just as it is ridiculous to arrest the firemen and en- 
gineers of hotels for burning soft coal in the smoke crusade 
that is periodically carried on in this city: the principal 
is the man, not the agent, that in every instance should 
be punished. But the principal — bah! does he often have 
to put on prison garb ? 



The Web of Perfidy Exposed 461 

' The bias or prejudice of even the occupant of the bench 
is often apparent. We accept the dicta of our judicial 
tribunals because we elect them to decide disputes — to 
interpret the law; but we do not necessarily accept their 
judgments as always correct, any more than two baseball 
teams think the umpire impartial in every decision. 

" When our Court of Appeals by a majority of only one 
decrees that the object for which money is stolen, deter- 
mines whether or not the act is theft — does that accord with 
our sense of right ? Rather, the dissenting opinion of the 
Chief Judge of the same court — that every deed of theft is 
theft per se, no matter even if designed to relieve distress — 
this is the sentiment that finds a responsive chord in our 
moral nature. 

"Again: the action of a California court amazes us — 
deciding upon a tangle of minor technicalities, instead of 
the broad moral ground of the case, and thereby defeating 
those who labored hard to raise San Francisco from the 
flood of crime in which her Mayor and others had sunk it. 
Truly, the indignation of the trial judge (from whose court 
the case was appealed) will have a sympathetic echo in the 
heart of every honest man who reads his outburst: 'I 
think it is to be regretted that this came up before a Court 
[of Appeals] whose relatives have relatives and intimate 
personal friends under indictment by the same Grand 
Jury that returned the true bills in this case. I would 
further say that the jury which returned the righteous 
verdict in that case according to the law and the evidence 
will be remembered with respect and honor long after the 
present judges of the Court of Appeals are cast off and 
forgotten.' 

" These instances show that judges, too, must be reck- 



462 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

oned with — that bias or prejudice, hate or friendliness, 
trickery or frenzy, pervading the community, may also 
affect them as well as the jury. But after all, when the 
jury has rendered its verdict and the judge his sentence, 
there is still in the breast of man — man at large, untram- 
melled by legal technicalities and the passions of the multi- 
tude, a sense of right and justice that no authoritative 
decision from any tribunal (when wrong) will prevail 
against or silence. 

" Mr. Hawse could get a shyster lawyer to bring suit for 
him — Captain Colburn might be found guilty, and have to 
suffer fine or imprisonment. He has no money — no per- 
sonal standing nor influential friends in this community: 
it would be a weak defense he could make. He is further 
weighed down by the care of a family — it would go hard 
with him in every way, even though the case stopped short 
of conviction. He is in no sense strong or provided with 
the means to fight such an attack. I am, on the contrary : 
I am known here — I have wealth — I can fight effectively; 
I am alone — none need suffer but myself if suit be brought 
on my accusation ; but none will be — the infernal scoundrel 
who did the deed is only too glad to get off as he did. And 
if I felt that the circumstantial evidence I have (strong as 
it is), would convict him and at least put him behind prison 
bars for the rest of his life, I would lay the matter before 
the proper authorities : but failure to convict after institut- 
ing action (where we know he is guilty) would be worse 
than not to bring him at all to the bar of justice — it would 
in a measure, be giving him a clear character; whereas now, 
the stigma of the crime will forever brand him and probably 
subject him to greater punishment in the long run, than 
legal methods could inflict. 



The Web of Perfidy Exposed 463 

" And now, Mr. Campbell, having righted this wrong to 
my own satisfaction — and I trust, gentlemen, (turning to 
the Captain, Brooks, and the Doctor) to yours, also, I will 
take my leave." * 

His companions warmly shook both his hands while ex- 
pressing their gratification, to which the Captain added his 
sincere thanks. 

When they had left the counting house, Northrup said: 
"Now, you are all coming to luncheon with me — we will 
revive the happy memories of the Wenonah, and bury the 
sad ones forever": and they went, ate accordingly, and had 
a convivial feast. 



CHAPTER XXV 

Jacob Hawse 

Which is the villain ? Let me see his eyes, 
That when I note another man like him, 
I may avoid him. 

— Sliakspere. 

When old Gower returned to the Wenonah, he had a 
great yarn to spin, and it was with mouths agape that all 
the forecastle listened. It quickly spread among the ship- 
ping — a marvelous tale! Who ever heard of the spider 
band being loosened in that way — wasn't it an accident ? 
Did any one ever know of a case where it broke of itself ? 
Yes : an old shell-back, formerly of the Navy, had been on 
a man-of-war where it actually occurred, and brought down 
the top hamper in much the same way it did on the Weno- 
nah: when examined, the band was found rusted nearly 
through in one place, only a thin strip of sound metal 
covering the defect; and in the strain of rolling (it was 
during violent motion of the ship that the accident oc- 
curred) this strip snapped, and the next roll brought down 
the topmast and all above it. Perhaps this was the case on 
the Wenonah; and so Hawse found a quasi defender: few 
could wholly credit the malicious act. 

But a Nemesis arose to do justice, and carry conviction 
to the skeptical — it was in the newspapers and therefore 
nobody could doubt it! Yes, the journalistic blood- 

464 



Jacob Hawse 465 

hounds were speedily on the scent : they visited the Weno- 
nah again — interviewed old Gower — learned the facts as 
he had heard them from Northrup, and then proceeded 
to fill in and embellish the tale, until the original narrator 
would hardly recognize his plain statement amidst the 
bristling verbiage, the appalling situations, the thrilling 
incidents, and the terrors of sky and sea in which it was 
dressed up, in order to tempt the overfed appetite of public 
taste. And all this, illustrated by a picture of the per- 
petrator crouching in the slings of the main yard, monkey 
wrench in hand, tugging at the nut, his pirate visage 
illuminated by a vivid flash of forked lightning. Yes, there 
was even the diagram showing exactly how every detail 
had been executed — it was marvelous how these purveyors 
of sensation had done their work! The facts were there, 
to be sure: Northrup 's story ran as a thread through the 
whole, but so deftly overlaid with accessories of every 
kind, as scarcely to be perceived by the non-critical: these 
must be entertained or stirred to read — that was the end 
in view; and while it interested, the tale carried conviction. 

When the reporters visited the ship the first time, they 
wanted a picture of the hero of the tale they then pub- 
lished, and so they photographed Hawse; now, the picture 
appeared again, but as the arch fiend of a story that made 
him infamous: so do our vanities come home to roost! 

Hawse would give his all, never to have had that photo- 
graph taken : it would make him known wherever he went, 
and be an effective bar to his employment. 

He did what sailors often do — he changed his name. 
He also changed his appearance: in the first photograph, 
he wore the uniform of the Wenonah; he then had a full 
beard and mustaches, which, with his hair, were sandy in 

30 



466 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

color and much streaked with gray. All this made him 
appear a man of staid habits and mature years. He 
shaved his beard, dyed his hair and mustaches black, and 
put on a gray suit — which gave him a comparatively young 
appearance, so that even a former shipmate might pass him 
without recognizing him. 

The name he took was Joshua Hunniwell — that of a 
young sailor he had been shipmates with some years 
previously : they had grown up as boys in the same village, 
and went to sea together. On a voyage to Hong Kong, 
his chum died of dysentery in the Indian Ocean and was 
buried at sea. 

Josh, as he had been called, was an open hearted fellow; 
and long ere his sickness came on, he had told Hawse every 
detail of his life: their initials were the same, and Hawse 
could personate him easily. Among other things he made 
known, was the fact that he had a deposit of a few hundred 
dollars in a Savings Bank in New York, which, on their 
return, he would surprise his mother by giving her. 

Hawse, with the cunning of his nature, laid away all 
these secrets of his friend in the recesses of his memory, but 
imparted none in return. Shortly before Josh died, he 
gave his bank book to Hawse with the request that he send 
it to his mother: at the same time, he gave him the neces- 
sary information required by the bank, to be communi- 
cated to her. Hawse solemnly promised to carry out his 
friend's dying wish, but he never did: in all the subsequent 
years, he held on to the book, and only wrote to the widow 
of the death of her son. He had the book still — would he 
draw the money ? Not yet : he had some ready cash and 
would leave the bank account for a time of stress. 

The bank-book inspires its possessor with conscious 



Jacob Hawse 467 

power — a firmness of tread — a confidence that impels to 
undertakings; it is a collateral of success and plays no 
small part in its achievement; it is a spring to action — a 
giver of strength : whereas he who has it not, but must rely 
upon his hand-to-mouth morsel — his daily meal (either 
financial or material) to keep him going — no reserve force 
or funds, loses ground because of that very non-possession; 
and in time becomes hesitating in enterprise; his virility 
lapses into timidity, and he fears almost shadows, lest he 
fail in his little ventures. Wealth emboldens — its absence 
weakens; and many a man, who by nature has little to 
advance him in the struggle of life, owes his prominence 
solely to inherited wealth or its sudden acquisition through 
some fortuitous circumstance: whereas many another who 
has the qualities to attain success is often dwarfed, or 
balked of that success, by the constant effort to keep his 
head above the waves of every day necessities. 

But Hawse must seek a ship: he was no loafer — quite 
the contrary — an energetic man, who found unemployed 
hours very heavy. He aimed high at first — he wanted 
command; but ships are not like raspberries, that may 
be picked by the wayside. The quest of a week convinced 
him that he must modify his aspirations: then he tried for 
the billet of First Mate; but this, too, was not to be had for 
the asking. A few weeks more of fruitless and discourag- 
ing endeavor only made his face familiar in shipping circles 
— men asked who he was. One day he went aboard a 
vessel and asked for a position in any capacity, even that 
of boatswain: his manner inspired confidence — impressed 
men with the idea that he was a capable man, which he 
really was. The Captain told him to come the next day 
and probably he would engage him. He had hardly left 



468 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

the ship, when one of the sailors stepped up to the Captain 
and asked if he knew who that was. 

"No," said he. 

"Why, that's Jake Hawse who wrecked the Wenonah: 
I was on her when he done it." The sailor was one of 
Hawse's former puppets — Ivan Kaulbars, who turned up 
to betray him. 

The next day when Hawse returned full of hope and 
self-assertion, he found the Captain stiff and suspicious. 

"You say your name is Joshua Hunniwell?" 

"Yes sir." 

" Was it ever Jacob Hawse, and did you have the berth 
of First Mate of the Wenonah ?" 

"Never!" said Hawse with almost insolent indignation; 
and the Captain felt that possibly he made a bad mistake, 
when Ivan Kaulbars stepped up and said: 

"O yes, you were on the Wenonah, Mr. Hawse — I 
know you — and you know me." 

"It's a lie," hissed Hawse; but his manner as he turned 
away, plainly showed that he himself was the liar. 

His identity soon became known along the water front, 
and the former man of mystery was now pointed out every- 
where as the one who had wrecked the Wenonah. Wher- 
ever he went, he saw the accusation in the forbidding looks 
of all he spoke to: even before uttering a word, his quest 
was anticipated with the curt refusal, " I have nothing for 
you"; and in course of time, this became to him much 
what the retort of the high priest had been to Judas — the 
knell of all hope ! But he did not do like Judas — suddenly 
end his days, through remorse: no, he continued to go 
about with the criminal's mark branded upon him. And 
the ostracism told on him — he was less confident of him- 



Jacob Hawse 469 

self, less assertive: even a shakiness and apprehensive 
slinking such as is born of drink, was creeping over him; 
albeit that he scarcely touched liquor. No, it was not that; 
it was the advance tremors of a shattered nervous system — 
he was losing his grip. 

He gave up looking for employment among the shipping 
— it was no use; he took, instead, to his strongest vice as a 
means of support — gambling : and he was a skillful manipu- 
lator of cards in all the games the sporting fraternity win 
and lose by. He could not, however, run the play all day 
and at night too, successful though he generally was — 
that would be too radical a break from his life-long habits : 
he craved what he had been bred to — the active, whole- 
some life of a sailor with its open air freedom — forever 
breathing the pure salty breeze and doing manly battle 
with the elements. Contrast that with the present one! 
— the stuffy little room, pungent with the smell of old pipes 
and sour beer — a den in which he now sought to outwit 
another and thrive upon his losses — it palled even on Jacob 
Hawse. Of yore, gambling had been to him a pastime — 
merely an hour's recreation from hard work : now it was an 
occupation by which to live, and it surfeited him. 

All this time the break-down was drawing on apace: 
he was miserable physically, miserable mentally; and as a 
consequence he did not play as well as when he had a 
strong mind in a robust body — his gains were fewer and 
his losses more, and the difference daily increased. At 
length, a night came when his cash was very low — he 
would now stake the bank book: he did so, dividing its 
amount into parcels, which were readily received as succes- 
sive wagers. The game progressed with fluctuating luck — 
he won, he lost: finally, he lost the whole, and turned the 



470 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

book over to the winner with the information necessary 
to draw the money; he also gave the signature of Joshua 
Hunniwell (to an order for the money) which he had 
latterly so often copied, with the prospect of using it, that 
the signature bore a close resemblance to the real one. 

The following day, the winner presented the book with 
the order to pay to the bearer the full amount of the deposit. 
What was his astonishment to learn that a year previously 
the account had been closed: it had run so long without 
either deposit or withdrawal, in fact without communica- 
tion of any kind with the owner of the book, that the 
officials, according to a rule of the Bank, wrote to the 
mother of the depositor and learned that her son was dead. 
Upon verification of the fact through the Maritime Ex- 
change and other sources of information, and finding it all 
concordant and satisfactory, the money, principal and 
interest, was paid to the widow. 

The buncoed gambler sought the den that night with fell 
intent: he had not been there long when his man entered, 
with the desperate resolve to win or lose on the stake of his 
last dollar. 

The two men met : " You lied to me last night — you are 
not Joshua Hunniwell — he died several years ago: the 
money was paid to his mother — you stole the bank book, 
forged his name, and passed yourself off for him: you 
haven't the honor even of a gambling hell — take that!" 
and he struck at Hawse, but his fist met only the intangible 
air — Hawse had fallen, a paralyzed, apoplectic heap: it 
had been a man — now it was only an inert mass of flesh 
and bone, without spirit ! 



CHAPTER XXVI 

Close of the Narrative 

As on the stage all the actors — even those put hors du 
combat during the play — are called in at the last scene, so 
here we shall have a final muster of the little band we have 
become acquainted with during the Voyage of the Wenonah. 

Two are among the dead — little Ada, who in all the 
freshness of innocent childhood ascended to her Creator 
to take her place among the angelic host; for our Saviour 
has said: "Suffer little children to come unto me, and 
forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of God." 

And Jacob Hawse — he, too, is numbered among the 
departed ; but where did he go ? Stricken in full career of 
crime, with all his earthly foulness clinging to him, could 
he go to the same abode as little Ada — the realm of Celes- 
tial purity ? 

Repentance? He had none, but pursued his victim 
to the end ; he spared no means, great or small, truthful or 
treacherous, to have revenge for his balked ambition and 
wounded vanity — though neither had foundation in any 
act of the man he sought to ruin. 

The mercy of Heaven ? The intimation is given us in 
the parable of Lazarus and the rich man, that reform and 
the plea for mercy must be in this life. In the existence 
that is eternal, it will be too late: the sinner had Moses and 
the Prophets — he should have hearkened to them: now, 
Divine Justice must be satisfied. Besides, what plea 

471 



472 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

can the malefactor make who has outraged every law of 
God and right of man ? Jacob Hawse, it is true, occupied 
a very humble station in life; and what he did, seems trivial 
beside the gigantic crimes of great criminals. Neverthe- 
less, in his little sphere, he did his all to blast the career of 
a human being: he thereby enjoyed to the full the sweets 
of revenge — it gratified him to see his victim suffer, and 
fail in his undertakings through the devices he concocted; 
it was pleasant to him to see the slouchy gait, the unkempt 
appearance, the impertinent manner, the dilatory move- 
ment, the listless work, and all the other petty annoyances 
he inspired the crew with, to worry the Captain ; the sneer- 
ing innuendo was sweet to utter; he gloated over the final 
deed that brought on the wreck, with only a drunken crew 
to clear it; he taught others by word and example insubordi- 
nation ; he incited to mutiny — and was all this deserving of 
mercy ? 

The head of a great corporation who uses the money of 
others to bribe legislators and build up for himself a posi- 
tion of importance in the community; who enjoys all the 
luxuries wealth can procure, all the adulation pride can 
crave, all the celebrity that ambition can covet — this man, 
reeking with his own infamy, and responsible for the 
nefarious acts of thousands of subordinates he taught to 
do likewise, is he — caught red-handed by Death — deserv- 
ing of mercy ? 

Or the great financier, who has gained his wealth by 
enticing others into fraudulent schemes, only to ruin them : 
or the master-spirit of some close monopoly of the neces- 
saries of life, who grinds without mercy those who must 
have food, and clothes, and fuel — what mercy can these 
stupendous evil-doers ask, when 'The Son of man shall 



Close of the Narrative 473 

come in the glory of His Father with His Angels, and then 
will He render to every man according to his works." 

We now leave Jacob Hawse forever: may those who 
occupy similar positions realize that to be loyal and true 
to the superior in all that is legitimately his due, is the only 
course for the subordinate to follow. 

Regarding the other persons of our tale, a few words will 
suffice : 

Alec Campbell and Company suffered grievously for 
their treatment of Captain Colburn; every shipmaster 
thought and said, "Well, if they can destroy a man's 
reputation like that, they won't have a chance to wreck 
mine"; and no self-respecting commander would go near 
them: they became hoo-doo, and the natural result fol- 
lowed — mishaps, inefficient service, and loss of trade, due 
to the only kind of men they could get to sail their ships. 
And it served them right well: every man in a prominent 
position, whose acts affect another, should hear both sides 
of every controversy; then if he errs, it is through an error 
of judgment; but if he listens to one side only, he forms 
an opinion on partial, prejudiced testimony, and adds gross 
injustice to the error of judgment. 

Sam Ruggles went out again as Engineer of the Wenonah 
and had a quarrelsome time. The Captain knew little 
of the engine or its workings, but harassed and bullied 
Ruggles: the latter rejoined with impertinent insinuations 
to mind his own business — the Captain retorted with 
brutal abuse; and so the wrangle went on — the one not 
knowing how to curb a recalcitrant subordinate, and the 
other running his department ill or well as he pleased; 
and giving in violent speech as much as he got. And it 
was much the same on deck : the Captain nagged the mates 



474 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

and the crew, and all talked back. Affairs went on slackly 
— according to whim, just as vessels lie in a harbor when 
they head in every direction from passing whiffs of wind or 
capricious eddy currents : no strong force was on board to 
guide and swing the actions of officers and men into that 
regularity which indicates efficiency and discipline. 

Northrup kept his promise to Colburn and procured for 
him the command of a fine ship. While it is conceded that 
tact is an excellent quality; and that good nature and 
interest in one's kind — a cheerful, good humored address 
and pleasant manner — are prime factors in the commander 
at sea and will make a ship's company happy, still there are 
other qualities which such a make-up often lacks: such a 
man generally takes life too easy to be scrupulous about 
methods, or thorough in details — there is too much of 
the happy go lucky mode of doing duty in his composition 
to bring about efficiency, or hold anything with a firm grip. 
Captain Colburn had none of the bluff, cheery, good fellow- 
ship that often conduces to sociability; and so he was not 
attractive to men: but he had other qualities that could 
mould an organization into a formidable and effective 
force; and if he had other than weaklings led by a vicious 
chief officer, he would have made the Wenonah a model 
ship. Colburn was intelligent, thorough, and assiduous, 
and took hold of everything with a firm hand — with intent 
to do it well. In essential things he was considerate for 
others; but the intensity of his nature entered into all he 
did, and this often gave offence where none was intended; 
and in any ordinary community none would be taken : but 
with the serpent ever at the ear to turn his every act awry, 
it is no wonder that the dupes among the crew thought the 
Mate right, when he only argued on the side they were 



Close of the Narrative 475 

inclined to feel. Colburn's next command was of a very 
different kind : he had no primary prejudice to work against 
as on the Wenonah, and so his really capable qualities 
produced a well disciplined ship. In this he was heartily 
seconded by his new First Mate — our old friend Ned 
Gower, whose loyalty and efficiency filtered down through 
every man on board : it makes a vast difference, the kind of 
man in immediate contact with the ship's company — 
whether a Jacob Hawse or a Ned Gower ! And to think 
that this turn in Colburn's affairs hinged on the chance 
meeting with Northrup in Madison Square! It made 
him shudder to think what might otherwise have been his 
career. 

Doctor Austin and his wife settled in New York: they 
were loth to return to San Francisco and revive at every 
step the fond memories of their lost child — it would only 
sadden and depress them ; and so they very sensibly severed 
all ties with the Pacific Coast. 

George Brooks entered with zest upon his literary 
career : he was not of the sky rocket order to burst forth in 
dazzling scintillations, or spread out in a copious shower 
of bright nothings; but of the concentrated, persevering, 
painstaking kind: consequently, his success was gradual 
and modest. He did not write for so much a word, 
whether this word had any relevancy to the idea or not. 
Much of the writing of the present day, both in newspaper 
and novel, is a freshet of verbiage on which the idea is 
carried along — sometimes perceptible, often submerged: 
otherwriting indulges in oddity of expression and grotesque- 
ness of phrase: still more is slangy — and all to be peculiar 
in order to attract attention. Brooks would none of it: 
but whether for letter, newspaper, magazine, or book, he 



476 The Voyage of the Wenonah 

endeavored to write pure, clear, correct, forcible English; 
and only in such quantity as would tersely express his 
ideas. His aim was to elevate composition; and his writ- 
ing was conscientious in sentiment and expression. 

John Northrup resumed his practise of the law and the 
care of his varied interests; and the trio — he, Brooks and 
the Doctor — formed a companionship that for whole 
souled and open hearted friendship was not surpassed in 
New York. 



the end 



James JSaw,-A 




[A'.-frsp''Ayii/.C'\p}&£ 



The heavy black line is the 
Route of the " Wenonah" 



105 Longitude 90 West 



Chart of the World, She 






1 *°Yo pR i ENT ><f 
i^ c ^^ >* 



u 



,c .*»>* ■■■■ 



JI 3 ' 



H 






A n A I « 

^=EE; C-Fi\iisterreS~~ 

:ST WIMPS ^ Jspain 




from *•/) 60 Greenwich 16 



Route of the Wenonah 



APR 10 1909 



